DAVAO CITY – The 20th Davao City Council approved on second reading on Tuesday, May 6, an ordinance that will pave the way for the creation of a public internet center to expand residents' digital access.
Reelectionist Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, chairman of the Committee on Information Technology, said the proposed two-story facility will house 60 computer units on the second floor and feature six units for Persons with Disabilities on the ground floor.
Militar said the public internet center, which the city will build near the playground area of People's Park, aims to address the public's growing need for accessible digital connectivity, especially for underserved communities, online research, and serves as a training hub for job-seekers intending to join the Business Process Outsourcing industry and provide free Wi-Fi connection to park goers.
He added that the center will complement existing services offered by the Davao City Library and Information Center which currently provides free internet and computer use.
"Any Davaoeños can use the public internet center, provided they register with the Davao City Library. A one-time annual fee of P100 grants them unlimited access. The outside area is also a Wi-Fi zone. There are tables and chairs available, making it a great spot to hang out," Militar said.
Militar, who thanked incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte for supporting the ordinance, said once the ordinance secures final approval on the third reading, funding for the center will be included in the city's supplemental budget for the year.