Caraga: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Bayanihan SIM Project, aims to distribute 66,720 SIM cards to public schools located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) within the Caraga Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution activities, scheduled from January 20 to February 12 this year, represent Phase 1 of the project implementation. Of the allocated SIM cards for the region, 27,800 are designated for Phase 1 and will be distributed to 60 public schools in the GIDA areas of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur, as noted by Glynmer Jamito, DICT-13 Project Development Officer III and alternate regional information officer.
The phased distribution is an initiative by DICT-13 based on the initial batch of SIM cards received by the agency. A total of 4,770 SIM cards were distributed to 17 public schools in the GIDA towns of Bacuag, Gigaquit, and Placer in Surigao del Norte from January 20 to 22. The remaining SIM cards for the initial phase will be distributed until February 12 to GIDAs in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Siargao Islands.
According to data provided, the distribution will cover one GIDA each in the towns of Madrid and Cantilan, and two in San Miguel, all located in Surigao del Sur. In Agusan del Sur, two GIDAs will be covered in Talacogon, three in Trento, and 12 in Veruela. Jamito mentioned that the DICT is finalizing the GIDAs to be covered in Siargao Island, in coordination with the Department of Education.
In a separate statement, DICT-13 emphasized that each SIM card includes a 25GB monthly data allocation, ensuring that both learners and educators can access essential online resources, learning platforms, and communication tools for academic development. The Bayanihan SIM Project, a flagship initiative under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is designed to enhance digital access for education in underserved communities.
Merly Paglinawan, a Grade 10 adviser at Campo National High School in Bacuag town, expressed her gratitude toward the government for implementing the project, stating its tangible impact on schools that are underserved and located in GIDAs.
