By Rowena T. Cruz Students and teachers in General Luna, Quezon, receive Bayanihan SIM cards, unlocking free internet access for education a...
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| Students and teachers in General Luna, Quezon, receive Bayanihan SIM cards, unlocking free internet access for education and essential services. (DICT) |
GENERAL LUNA, Quezon – Education and digital services are now within reach for more Filipinos, thanks to a government program bringing free internet to underserved areas. Free internet SIM cards were successfully distributed to students and teachers recently at San Nicolas Integrated School, a significant step in the ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide in the country.
The SIM cards are part of a larger, ambitious project called "Bayanihan SIM," a cornerstone of the national digital literacy and access program. DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-de Sagon recently shared that they plan to give out approximately one million SIM cards by early 2026, with 600,000 of them specifically targeted for distribution by the end of 2025 across various provinces.
This program is expected to help a huge number of people – specifically five million Filipinos – since one SIM card, with its generous data allocation of 25GB per month, can often be used by an entire family or household for various essential online activities. The DICT has put aside a substantial budget of P3 billion under the current General Appropriations Act (GAA) for this project this year, demonstrating a strong financial commitment to digital inclusion.
They've also teamed up with major phone companies like DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications. This crucial partnership allows the government to procure these essential SIM cards at a significantly lower price than market rates, ensuring a wider reach and more efficient distribution across the nation, from Luzon to Mindanao.
This widespread push for internet access directly aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s unwavering commitment to building a "Digital Philippines." From the start of his term, President Marcos has consistently stressed that expanding internet connectivity to every corner of the archipelago, including remote islands and mountainous regions, is a top priority for his administration.
He envisions a future where every Filipino, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, has the necessary digital tools to fully participate in the growing digital economy and benefit from online opportunities in education, health, and livelihood. President Marcos has actively monitored the progress of these initiatives, often visiting distribution sites, and emphasizing that connecting schools is particularly crucial for national development.
He has directed government agencies, including the DICT and the Department of Education (DepEd), to prioritize securing consistent power and robust internet access in public schools, especially those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Just recently, during a visit to a public school in Quezon City in June 2025, he reaffirmed his administration's goal to achieve 100% internet connectivity for all public schools by the end of 2025.
This target is seen as a significant step towards leveling the educational playing field and unlocking the potential of millions of students nationwide. He has repeatedly highlighted the importance of universal connectivity as a vital component to ensure no citizen is left behind, considering digital access a key legacy of inclusion for his term.
The Bayanihan SIM program is a prime example of successful inter-agency collaboration. The DICT is coordinating closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to meticulously identify beneficiary schools and GIDA areas that are most in need of connectivity.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also plays a crucial advisory role in pinpointing these underserved communities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively where they can make the biggest impact on the ground. Their expertise in socio-economic planning ensures that digital infrastructure development aligns seamlessly with national development goals and priorities.
Beyond just distributing SIM cards, the program also focuses on building necessary long-term infrastructure. The partner phone companies have made a concrete commitment to build around 100 new common towers in these identified GIDA sites, a modality actively promoted by the DICT to ensure sustainable and reliable connectivity even where no signal previously existed.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda explained that while the government is providing the initial boost for internet access, the ultimate goal is for these newly connected areas to grow economically. This way, internet services can eventually become self-sustaining through increased economic activity, lessening reliance on government subsidies in the long run.
These Bayanihan SIM cards are set to revolutionize education in rural areas, offering tangible benefits for both learners and educators. Students can now seamlessly access DepEd TV lessons, explore supplemental learning platforms like Khan Academy, and easily participate in online group work, breaking down geographical barriers to quality education.
Teachers, in turn, can more effectively manage digital classrooms, distribute educational materials electronically, and join vital online training sessions, enhancing their teaching methods and professional development.
But the benefits of these free SIM cards extend far beyond just academic pursuits. They are designed to empower entire households. Parents, for instance, can now explore new online livelihood and financial tools, utilize convenient digital payment applications like GCash for secure transactions, and access e-commerce and health-tech services that were previously out of reach.
This broad digital empowerment ultimately helps improve their overall quality of life and fosters greater economic inclusion across the Philippines. It opens up new avenues for prosperity and participation in the nation's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Bayanihan SIM program, officially launched with initial giveaways in Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan (in partnership with Globe), and Bani National High School Coto Annex in Masinloc, Zambales (with Smart), demonstrates a unified national effort. With the successful distribution in General Luna, Quezon, alongside DITO Telecommunity, the DICT confirms its unwavering promise: with Digital Bayanihan, every Filipino will have a chance to get online, leading to a more connected, more prosperous, and truly empowered Philippines.
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