DICT expands FREE WiFi program to UP Baguio, Benguet State University

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has expanded the reach of the government's free internet program to two state universities in the Cordillera.

 FREE WiFi program to UP Baguio, Benguet State University

FREE WiFi now available in two state universities in Cordillera

In a statement, the DICT said the universities benefitting from the Free WiFi For All program of the Duterte administration are the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) and Benguet State University (BSU). 

The agency noted the installation of the FREE WiFi started at the UPB before the national government could even implement the Luzon-wide quarantine controls. 

Students stranded at the campus were able to use the connection, the DICT said.

Fortunately, it was installed before the pandemic. When communication is vital but scarce, nakatulong siya. And the Free Wi-Fi reaches up to our dorm. So our students, while they were here dahil hindi pa sila makauwi noon, hindi makatravel, nagamit nila. Right now, nagagamit ng personnel, ng public na pumupunta dito for any concerns, and even our students here in Baguio na pumupunta parin dito for their academic concerns, said Jose Kym Alvaro, UPB’s System/Network Office personnel.

BSU College of Nursing Dean Dr. Jude Tayaben, meanwhile, said the free internet access could help them as they plan to implement flexible learning this year. 

We're planning on online and limited face-to-face, and most of the resources that we have now are in need of an internet connection. This is a blessing that will help our facilitators and learners, Tayaben said.

The program is mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte as part of the target to further enhance the accessibility of the internet for Filipinos.