DICT, CHED sign pacts to bring faster internet, wider digital access to universities

Faster internet connections and wider digital access are set to reach universities and colleges nationwide after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) sealed two agreements to expand connectivity for higher education institutions and students.

According to a press release on Tuesday, the two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed on December 17, 2025, at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac, led by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis.

One of the agreements, Konektadong CHED: Fiberization and Connectivity Acceleration Program, aims to accelerate the rollout of fiber-based internet connectivity across CHED central and regional offices, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and CHED-recognized local universities and colleges.

The second agreement, Bayanihan SIM for Higher Education Learners: Last-Mile Data Access Support Program, focuses on student-level support by providing SIM-based mobile data and internet allowances to eligible learners, particularly those in underserved, geographically isolated, and last-mile areas.

The DICT said the initiative builds on earlier connectivity programs implemented in basic education, where public schools under the Department of Education were equipped with improved internet access and digital tools. The new partnership extends similar support to higher education institutions across the country.

“Ang utos ng Pangulo ay walang maiiwang Pilipinong offline. Dahil pag may connectivity, sa panahon ng bagyo at sakuna, mayroon tayong lifeline; sa panahon ng pag-aaral, meron tayong online education; at sa panahon ng pandemya, meron tayong online health. Ito’y isang hakbang tungo sa katuparan ng utos ng ating Pangulo,” Aguda said.

(The President’s directive is that no Filipino should be left offline. With connectivity, we have a lifeline during storms and disasters; we have online education during times of learning; and online health services during a pandemic. This is a step toward fulfilling the President’s directive.)

CHED welcomed the partnership, saying stronger connectivity will support its expanding digital and blended learning systems.

“Makakatulong ito sa expanded tertiary program ng CHED dahil utos ng Presidente ay matulungan ang bawat Pilipino hindi lang dito sa ating bansa kundi saan mang panig ng mundo,” Agrupis said.

(This will help CHED’s expanded tertiary program, as the President’s directive is to assist every Filipino—not only here in our country, but wherever they may be in the world.)

Both agencies said the agreements advance the government’s Digital Bayanihan thrust, positioning connectivity as a critical tool in strengthening higher education under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. — Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News