327 free Wi-Fi sites across Region 7 functional

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Central Visayas has completed 327 Free Wi-Fi for All (FW4A) sites across the region, expanding internet access in public schools, hospitals and health centers, barangay and local government halls, national government offices, libraries, capitols, public markets, plazas, and other public spaces to strengthen digital connectivity in underserved communities.

The accomplishment highlights the agency’s continuing efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring government-supported internet connectivity closer to communities, particularly in areas with limited access to online services.

“We are still growing here in the region. And we are still expecting more growth in the greenfield areas like Bohol,” said DICT-7 Regional Director Frederick Amores during the “Kapihan sa DICT” yesterday, June 1, during the opening of National ICT Month 2026.

Of the total sites completed, 78 are located in public schools, 74 in barangay halls, 63 in national government agencies, 52 in local government halls, 31 in public hospitals and health centers, and 16 in LGU-operated health centers.

The remaining sites are situated in libraries, provincial capitols, public markets, plazas, and other government facilities.

Complementing the connectivity program, DICT-7 distributed 6,917 SIM cards under the Bayanihan SIM Project, benefiting learners and other qualified recipients through partnerships with the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The agency also continues to promote the eGov PH Super App, a platform designed to consolidate government services into a single digital portal. From its soft launch in December 2025 until last May 31, the Bagong Pilipinas eGov Super App Hub in Cebu accommodated 20,683 clients seeking services from various government agencies.

Meanwhile, 107 government agencies across Central Visayas are now connected through the Government Network (GovNet), a DICT initiative that enables faster and more efficient inter-agency communication and service delivery.

Beyond connectivity infrastructure, DICT-7 is expanding digital literacy and workforce development programs through Digital Transformation Centers in Cebu and Bohol. These centers provide training on basic digital skills, cybersecurity, coding, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and e-commerce for students, professionals, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The regional office is also set to roll out a series of activities for National ICT Month, including the Startup Thursdays Webinar Series, Cebu Animation Workshop, Lakbay Likha Digital Creatives Roadshow, DASIG Regional Consortium Planning Workshop, and the NICTM Culmination at SM Seaside City Cebu.

As DICT marks its 10th anniversary this year, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to building a more connected, innovative, secure, and inclusive digital future for Filipinos through programs that expand access to technology and government services.

Amores said the agency remains committed to ensuring that digital transformation reaches all sectors of society.

“Our goal for Central Visayas is not just connectivity, but a total digital transformation that empowers every Cebuano and Boholano,” Amores said. — Sofhia Grace Neri, CNU intern/BRP (FREEMAN)