Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan – In line with national efforts to close the digital divide, Globe and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched the Bayanihan SIM initiative at Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) in Bulacan.
In the true spirit of bayanihan, GCash, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Philippine Statistics Authority collaborated with DICT and Globe for this kickoff event, embodying the collective effort to bridge the digital divide. The ceremonial launch marked the distribution of Globe-powered TM SIMs, each loaded with 25GB of monthly open-access data, to 500 students, teachers, and parents.
Each SIM card was activated on-site, with Globe personnel assisting in registration and data configuration. Beneficiaries also received an additional 5GB upon activation, with the opportunity to unlock 15GB more by loading ₱150 per month for the first three months—reinforcing the program’s goal to encourage digital habits, literacy, and inclusion at scale.
The initiative is anchored on Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, and aims to promote digital inclusion by enabling learning, livelihood, and access to essential government services in far-flung communities.
Beyond infrastructure, Bayanihan SIM is designed to create real, everyday impact. With connectivity now in hand, students can stream DepEd TV lessons, access Khan Academy for supplemental learning, or join online group work via Facebook Messenger. Teachers can manage digital classrooms, distribute materials, and attend online training sessions on platforms like Zoom. Parents meanwhile can explore livelihood and financial tools through online Facebook group ThisisKwela, access GCash for safe digital transactions, and tap into e-commerce, fintech, and health-tech platforms to improve quality of life.
“Guided by the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that no Filipino is left offline, this initiative goes beyond simply distributing SIM cards, it is a bold step toward closing the digital divide for millions of our countrymen,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda. “Through our partnership with Globe, we are ensuring that even the most underserved communities are included in the country’s digital future.”
For the first time, the government is extending infrastructure subsidies to telcos to help close connectivity gaps in GIDA communities. Across the industry, the program is expected to support the rollout of one million SIMs, each with 25GB monthly data, and enable the construction of new towers in unserved, while optimizing network performance in underserved locations.
“Globe is proud to lead the industry in this milestone program in partnership with the government,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “We believe that access to connectivity should not depend on geography. Through our infrastructure, our platform, and strong collaboration with the public sector, we are enabling opportunities where it’s needed most and turning digital inclusion from vision to reality.”
With the Bayanihan SIM initiative set to benefit over 333,000 individuals nationwide and supported by partners like DICT and DepEd, Globe continues to push for equitable digital access ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in today’s connected world.
“Globe is here not just to provide signal but to build opportunity, one community at a time,” Cruz said.
