Army General Hospital Receives DICT Free Wi-Fi for All Program

In a launching ceremony held today, Oct. 8, the Philippine Army General Hospital (AGH) officially receives the Free Wi-Fi for All program from the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT).

The free internet connectivity aims to uplift the morale of Army’s confined troops, including their dependents and visitors, as well as to enhance other communication functions of the AGH.

DICT Sec. and retired Army officer Gregorio Honasan who graced the event said, “His [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s], marching orders was very clear. You connect the government to our citizens and you connect the government to its fighting men [and women] that are protecting our democracy.”

The said program was under the provision of Republic Act No. 10929 also known as the “Free Internet Access in Public Places Act” wherein it listed public hospitals, health centers, and rural health units as some of the beneficiaries of the nationwide establishment of Wi-Fi sites. Last July, DICT installed the program at the Armed Forces of the Philippines V. Luna Medical Center.

1st Lt. Engelbert P. Callao who is currently recovering from his injuries at AGH said, “Malaking tulong din talaga [yung project dahil] kahit na malayo sila [ang aking pamilya] parang malapit na rin, kasi nakikita namin yung bawat isa through video calls.”

“Project such as this is one way of thanking them [the soldiers] for the sacrifices that they have made for the country,” said Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat who hosted the event. “It is also a way of making their stay at the hospital more comfortable,” he added. (Philippine Army PR)