Department of Information and Communications Technology and local government officials witnessed the ceremonial launching of the Free Wi-Fi For All program of DICT for tourist destination sites in Oriental Mindoro held last August 6 at Muelle Port, Puerto Galera. (Jerry Alcayde)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – Local government officials of Puerto Galera have lauded the initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to launch here the first Free Wi-Fi For All project for all tourist destinations in the country.
Mayor Robinhood Ylagan said his constituents, including those in the marginalized sectors, can now easily connect to digital government services and online transactions, while boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.
DICT MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou Delfin said Free Wi-Fi stations will be set up in key tourist destinations of the province, initially four in Puerto Galera and two in Calapan City.
In Puerto Galera, DICT has identified four sites, namely: White Beach (left and right side), Muelle Port and Sabang Boulevard, while in Calapan City, the sites will be at the Mangyan Heritage Museum and Plaza del Gobernador.
Delfin said the Free Wi-Fi For All is part of the Free Public Internet Access Program of the DICT and in fulfillment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to expand internet connectivity in public spaces.
Delfin, together with DICT Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Atty. Christian Mark Guingcangco, Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Alabado III, Puerto Galera Mayor Robinhood Ylagan, Vice-Mayor Rocky Ilagan and members of Sangguniang Bayan led the ceremonial launch held at Muelle Port of the initial Free Wi-Fi Access Points for the province.
“This demonstrates the continuous expansion of DICT Free Wi-Fi for All to ensure that no Filipino or tourist is left offline, wherever they may be,” Guingcangco said.
The DICT official said the agency continues to install improved technologies, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based connectivity, to maintain internet connectivity even during typhoons and other extreme weather conditions.