Ilocos region: Students in far-flung communities of the Ilocos Region now have access to free internet, following the Department of Information and Communications Technology's (DICT) distribution of 8,829 Bayanihan SIM cards, a project that commenced in December of last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Ilocos Region director Rachel Ann Grabador, during a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region, elaborated on the initiative. She stated that each SIM card provides students with 25 gigabytes (GB) of free data per month for one year. This initiative aims to enhance the educational resources available to students within the region's range.

Grabador emphasized the careful process involved in distributing the SIM cards, which includes screening sessions and educational lectures to guide students on the proper use of the SIM cards in their studies. Additionally, feedback on the SIM cards' performance and their impact on students' studies is actively sought.

DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-De Sagon highlighted that the project targets geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the Philippines, with a focus on regions with schools. She assured that measures are in place to ensure all distributed SIM cards function properly and that students are protected from accessing inappropriate content online. Spot checks are conducted on each batch of SIM cards to maintain these standards.

De Sagon noted the project's ambitious target of distributing 1 million SIM cards by June this year, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s priority for the education sector to benefit first from connectivity programs. Future targets include barangay halls and health centers.

The DICT's JuanSim ng Bayan Program-Bayanihan SIM Project embodies President Marcos's directive to ensure no Filipino remains offline, accelerating access to free and reliable internet connectivity across underserved and geographically isolated areas.