Free wifi program gets P2.5B budget

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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release P2.5 billion for the government’s free internet access program.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the issuance of a special allotment release order for the amount with the corresponding notice of cash allocation for the first quarter worth P356.2 million for the maintenance and other operating expensesof the Department of Information and Communications Technology–Office of the Secretary.

From the budget, over P2.4 billion will be earmarked for free internet wifi connectivity in public places. The remaining P50 million goes to connectivity concerns for state universities and colleges , the DBM said.

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The fund is chargeable against the Free Public Internet Access Fund–Special Accounts in the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under the fiscal year 2024 automatic appropriations.

“The disbursement encompasses the implementation of locally-funded projects that include the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP),” the DBM said in a statement.

“This funding is crucial because the internet is central to our emerging new age– the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes everything more convenient, powering education, economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” said Pangandaman.

The FPIAP involves the construction of information communication technology (ICT) facilities like high-capacity networks, middle mile, and last mile ICT infrastructures, as well as towers, data centers, assets, and other service building

The FPIAP aims to provide zero-cost internet access in public spaces nationwid.

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