DBM OKs release of P2.5B for free public internet program

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P2.5 billion for the government’s free internet in public places program.

In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved a P2.5-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to implement the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).

The FPIAP involves the construction of ICT facilities like high-capacity networks, middle- and last-mile ICT infrastructures, as well as towers, data centers, assets, and other service buildings.

The Budget Department said that over P2.4 billion would be allotted for free WiFi connectivity in public places.

The remaining amount will be earmarked for the connectivity needs of state universities and colleges (SUC).

“This funding is crucial because the internet is central to our emerging new age—the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes everything more convenient, powering education, the economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” said Pangandaman.

The DBM said the FPIAP aims to provide zero-cost internet access in public spaces nationwide.

Targeted public areas include convergence points such as national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, as well as public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals.

The DBM said the P2.5-billion SARO is chargeable against the Free Public Internet Access Fund—Special Accounts in the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under the 2024 national budget. — VBL, GMA Integrated News