Davao de oro: Four more schools in two Davao de Oro towns can now enjoy reliable free internet access, creating better learning opportunities. This came as a series of distributions under the Bayanihan SIM Project of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 11 (Davao Region) reached the municipalities of Pantukan and Maragusan in Davao de Oro province this week.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Wednesday, the agency reported that it served a total of 1,279 SIM beneficiaries under the program, with Napnapan National High School (437), Napnapan Elementary School (180), Binogsayan Elementary School (212), all in Pantukan town, and Tupaz National High School (450) in Maragusan town. The DICT-11 emphasized the focus on geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), distributing 1,279 SIM cards to ensure students and teachers in remote communities stay connected.

Beneficiaries were given 25 GB of free monthly data for a year, allowing them reliable access to online educational resources and communication tools, while also alleviating connectivity costs for their families. On Tuesday, DICT-11 also provided 612 SIM cards to the learners and educators of Talian Elementary School (248), Cambagang Elementary School (100), and Tupaz Elementary School (264) in Maragusan.

The program is part of the agency's Free Public Internet Access Program and carries the Bayanihan SIM Project branding, aligned with Gender and Development (GAD) principles, inclusivity, and DICT's Digital Bayanihan advocacy. DICT-11 stated that it is a key part of their efforts to ensure that education in remote areas keeps pace with modern technology.