Release of funds for free public internet approved

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of the allocations needed for the government’s digitalization program, including free public internet access.

A Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P2.5 billion and the corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the first quarter amounting to P356.2M for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology—Office of the Secretary (DICT-OSEC).

According to the DBM, the amount will be used to implement locally-funded projects that include the free public internet access program (FPIAP).

“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 Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman.

Under the FPIAP is 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 buildings.

From the budget, DBM said that over ?2.4 billion will be earmarked for free internet wifi connectivity in public places. The remaining ?50 million, on the other hand, goes to connectivity concerns for State Universities and Colleges (SUC).  The FPIAP aims to provide zero-cost internet access in public spaces nationwide.

These public areas include convergence points such as national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, as well as public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals, to name a few.

Pangandaman signed the release of the funds, which are chargeable against the Free Public Internet Access Fund—Special Accounts in the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under the fiscal year 2024 Automatic Appropriations, on February 5, 2024. — (FREEMAN)