BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial government and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) spearheaded a one-day training for the installation and maintenance of the Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEO SAT) for the 27 beneficiaries of the DICT’s Free WiFi for All Program.
The training was held at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sport Complex on February 6, 2025. Of the 27 beneficiaries, two are from Barlig (barangays Fiangtin and Macalana), four are from Bauko (barangays Balintaugan, Bagnen Oriente, Bagnen Proper, and Mabaay), two are from Besao (barangays Tamboan and Suquib), five are from Bontoc (barangays Alab Proper, Balili, and Bayyo, Bontoc Market Vendors Association, and Provincial Planning and Development Office), three are from Natonin (barangays Banawel, Pudo, and Sta. Isabel), three are from Sabangan (barangays Capinitan, Data, and Tambingan, one from the Sadanga Municipal Hall, four are from Sagada (barangays Madongo, Pide, Tetepan, and Patay), and three from Tadian (barangays Cagubatan, Pandayan, and Tue). The beneficiaries were selected through the combined effort of the DICT and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
According to Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., the 27 beneficiaries, in addition to the 68 other barangays, are also entitled to avail of the DICT’s Free WiFi for All Program. (See details through this link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=594604633155062&id=100078165924562&mibextid=Nif5oz)
The DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program, as explained by DICT-Cordillera Administrative Region Regional Director Reynaldo T. Sy is a digital empowerment program aiming to connect Filipinos through the provision of free wi-fi in public places. Through this program, the DICT–CAR hopes to reach and connect as many different and varied locations as possible, most especially for those in difficult-to-reach areas within the region.
He said that the free WiFi program is a joint project of the DICT and the provincial government in partnership with the recipients.
The Free WiFi for All Program makes use of current satellite technology called the LEO SAT, which provides high bandwidth capacity at a very low latency, which makes the technology most suitable and reliable for Cordillera’s terrain.
The training brought together the presence and participation of Governor Lacwasan, Congress representative Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., represented by Dionisio K. Wacdisen, Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, and board members Ezra Samson A. Gomez, Ricardo M. Masidong, Jr., and Joshua B. Fronda. In their respective messages, these officials were one in pointing out the benefits of free internet connection to the community, most especially when it comes to education, work, and keeping in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones, among others.
Moreover, mayors Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr., Bryne O. Bacwaden, Constito S. Masweng, Clark C. Ngaya, Jose T. Agagon, and Adolf F. Ganggangan accompanied the recipients during the event as a show of their support to the DICT’s free WiFi campaign.
In closing, DICT-Mountain Province Provincial Officer Hermenegildo C. Castañeda said that their office is open to provide further assistance regarding the LEO SAT and the DICT’s Free WiFi for All Program.
Meanwhile, the discussions for the training were facilitated by personnel from the DICT-CAR and REVLV Solutions, Inc. By Hail, MP
