DBM: P3B released for free WiFi in public schools

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday said it has released a total of P3 billion to expand free internet access for students and teachers, especially those in “last mile” schools and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

In a statement, the DBM said the latest fund release was in fulfillment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to achieve full digital connectivity in all public schools across the country.

Of the total fund, P1.5 billion will be allocated to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, which aims to provide access to online learning materials and digital tools even for students in the most remote barangays.

Citing Special Provision No. 26 of the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Budget Department said the program will be implemented by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its regional offices, using the list of schools provided by DepEd.

The two agencies will enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to define their respective roles in ensuring efficient and timely implementation of the program.

At least 8,253 public schools are expected to benefit from the P1.5-billion allocation for DepEd, most of which are located in areas that have long struggled with poor or no internet connectivity, according to the DBM.

The Budget Department said it released another P1.5 billion to the DICT to support the Free Public Internet Access Program, specifically to fund internet connectivity, chargeable against the agency’s Special Account in the General Fund – Free Public Internet Access Fund.

“Before, weak or non-existent internet signals were a challenge for schools in remote areas. Today, we are making nationwide connectivity a reality. Through this program, students and teachers—especially in far-flung areas—will finally benefit from reliable digital access. No Filipino learner will be left behind in digital education,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“Once free internet access is fully implemented in last mile schools and far-flung areas, our students and teachers will no longer have to spend much or travel far just to get Wi-Fi access. We want every young Filipino—whether in the city or in the farthest island—to have equal access to quality education,” said Pangandaman.

The Budget chief noted that the President’s goal is to achieve 100% connectivity in all schools nationwide before the end of the year, thus “this funding marks a major step toward realizing that vision.”

“The President recognizes the importance of reliable internet connectivity in advancing digital learning—not just for students, but also for our teachers. Together with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, we are united in fulfilling President Bongbong Marcos’ directive of providing free Wi-Fi for all,” added Pangandaman. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News