Gatchalian seeks probe of Free Wi-Fi for All implementation, says some schools have no internet

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a resolution seeking a probe into the implementation of the Free Wi-Fi for All law, saying there is a backlog in having internet coverage in schools.

In Senate Resolution No. 392, the senator is seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (FIAPPA) in elementary and secondary public schools, Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers, state universities and colleges (SUCs), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) technology institutions, and other community learning centers.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the lead implementing agency of the said law, has not met its targets.

The senator said in 2018, DICT's target was to add 5,308 sites in 1,500 cities. However, as of April 13, 2020, only 3,707 live sites for free Wi-Fi hotpots have been installed.

The DICT launched Pipol Konek Project to ensure internet accessibility. It has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to put up 6,000 last mile hotpot sites in communities considered remotest, unserved and disadvantaged.

“Mahalaga ang papel ng Free Wi-Fi for All lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya kung saan inihahanda natin ang mga paaralan sampu ng mga estudyante at guro pati na lahat ng kawani ng sektor ng edukasyon pagdating ng pasukan. Importanteng natutugunan ng gobyerno ang mga pangangailangang ito upang magpatuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata lalo na’t hinihikayat na ang online learning sa pagsabak natin sa tinatawag na new normal,” Gatchalian said.

According to Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua, only 48% or 22,645 out of 47,013 public schools have internet connectivity. A total of 16.7 million students are enrolled in these schools.

Gatchalian said in a Senate hearing on the 2019 national budget, the DICT said 17 free Wi-Fi hotspots were installed in 112 SUCs as of December 2018.

According to the FIAPPA, free Wi-Fi will also be offered in government offices, public health institutions and centers, public parks, plazas, libraries, barangay reading centers, public airports, seaports, and transport terminals. —KG, GMA News