FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe learned firsthand on Saturday, May 30, the students' and local residents' struggle with poor Internet connectivity in Oriental Mindoro, which prompted him to demand accountability from the (DICT) and push for faster rollout of the Free Wi-Fi Program.

During a recent consultative meeting with residents and youths in Oriental Mindoro, Poe heard the challenges faced by students and young people due to limited internet access, lack of digital resources, and inadequate connectivity infrastructure.

In an open forum, youth participants shared how poor internet connectivity continues to affect their education, access to information, and opportunities for growth. When asked whether they benefited from free public Wi-Fi programs, attendees revealed that many areas in Oriental Mindoro still do not have access to such services.

The concerns raised during the consultation also echoed previous efforts by Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito 'Bonz' Dolor, who had already formally communicated these connectivity issues to the DICT. Despite these appeals, residents noted that meaningful action and responses have yet to materialize.

As vice chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations and one of the legislators involved in reviewing and defending the DICT's budget, Poe expressed disappointment that programs funded by Congress have not translated into actual benefits for Mindoreños.

“Ang naging uncompromisable priority para sa akin ay ang Libreng Wifi Program nationwide. Magsusulat ako ng complaint sa DICT. Ako ang nag-defend ng budget niyo pero hindi pa kayo bumababa ng mga benepisyo dulot ng Libreng Wifi doon sa mga constituents ko sa Oriental Mindoro,” he said.

(My uncompromisable priority is the nationwide Free Wi-Fi Program. I will write a complaint to the DICT. I defended your budget, but you still have not delivered the benefits of Free Wi-Fi to my constituents in Oriental Mindoro.)

Poe further emphasized that access alone is not enough. Government efforts must also ensure quality and reliable connectivity, particularly in schools and rural communities.

The neophyte congressman emphasized the need for stronger coordination and accountability to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of location, can benefit from reliable and accessible internet services.

For Poe, the situation highlights a growing digital divide that continues to leave rural and island communities behind.

“Kung gusto natin i-address ang digital divide, dapat lahat ng pilipino ay magkaroon ng sapat na akses at libreng akses sa Wifi at sa Internet. Dahil ‘yan ang equalizer. Whether mayaman ka o mahirap, kung may akses ka sa Internet, pare-parehong impormasyon ang makukuha mo doon.

(If we want to address the digital divide, all Filipinos must have sufficient access and free access to Wi-Fi and the Internet. Because that is the equalizer. Whether you are rich or poor, if you have Internet access, you get the same information.)

Following the consultation, Poe committed to raising the issue before the relevant government agencies and pushing the DICT to accelerate the rollout of free public Wi-Fi and other connectivity initiatives across Oriental Mindoro.

He stressed that government programs must reach communities that need them most, particularly young people whose futures increasingly depend on access to digital opportunities.