BONTOC, Mountain Province – A young Igorot guide from Sabangan once remarked “no sadot ka uray no umudan si balitok, maid matugop” in English means when a man is lazy even if it rains with gold, no fruits can be reap. Indeed, thru the tireless and active initiative of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. request of the Province for Satellite Devices was approved by the Department of Information and Communication Technology, Regional Office-CAR.
Hence recently 27 units of starlink Internet devices was personally delivered to Mountain Province by no less than the DICT-CAR Regional Director, Engr. Reynaldo T. SY. The turn over ceremonies was held at the Governor Mayaen Sports Complex, Bontoc, Mountain Province. This significant event was attended by the officials of Mountain Province namely; Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. represented by his Executive Assistant, Mr. Dionisio Waclisen, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr, Vice Governor Francis Tauli and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Also in attendance were the 10 Municipal Mayors of the Province including the Barangay Chairman and Barangay Councilmen of the 27 identified barangay beneficiaries.
The satellite turn over program was preceded by an opening prayer and the singing of the National anthem led by a DICT staff.
Foremost, in his message, Governor Lacwasan expressed his sincere and profound gratitude to the office of the Department of Information and Communication-CAR headed by Regional Director Engr. Reynaldo Sy for approving and personally delivering his request for internet units for Mountain Province. Further, the Governor highlighted the importance of technology in this digital age.
He asserted that technology enhances and fast track productivity in every endeavor in the province such as education, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and peace and order. He also mentioned that due to the terrain and critical locations of many barangays in the Province, communication cannot be maximized to benefit the constituents of the province. He also underscored that technology can enhance students to achieve quality education. In health, people with illness can immediately be given attention and care thru fast communication. He stressed that this milestone partnership with DICT will surely contribute in his “Barangay Muna Program” of uplifting the general welfare of the people in all of the barangays.
The DICT-CAR Regional Director, Engr. Reynaldo Sy on his part reiterated the message of Governor Lacwasan highlighting the importance of technology/communication among Filipinos. He stressed that technology is a vital tool to improve the life of every Filipino.
However, the same should be utilized wisely and carefully. Director Sy also pointed out that in the Cordillera only two provinces were given this assistance namely; Kalinga and Mountain Province. He also mentioned that additional 68 starlink internet units will be soon given to Mountain Province next month, March 2025. Director Sy expressed hope that this assistance will improve the communication landscape in Mountain Province. He also said that through this system, people in Mountain Province will have fast access to their families living locally and abroad. Moreover, this program will boast development of technology focused not only in urban areas but likewise rural areas in the Cordillera to further achieve economic growth in those areas.
The final part of the program was the signing of agreement between DICT and the 27 barangay beneficiaries. The agreement underscored the acceptance of the digital units by the barangay beneficiaries and manifestation of their intention to give care and maintenance of the units for the benefit of their own people.
Lastly, was the demonstration of the starlink installation by DICT staff and site coordinates followed by the closing remarks of Mr. Hermie Castañeda, DICT-MP Provincial Officer. By Erning Bondad
