Senator Supports for Digital Inclusion in Launching of e-Governance and Wi-Fi Sites

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has expressed support for the launch of e-governance and Wi-Fi sites in 150 barangays in Sibalom, Antique, her home province.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) spearheaded the project, which aims to provide internet services to different University of Antique (UA) campuses and other parts of the province, including indigenous communities. Legarda, who authored the Republic Act No. 10844 that created DICT, said that the provision of affordable, accessible, and reliable internet services is crucial in advancing the country’s progress.

Legarda highlighted the significance of investing more in technology, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where digitalization has become an alternative to physical interaction. The senator stressed the need for digital inclusion to become one of the government’s priorities. She added that the launch of free Wi-Fi sites is only the beginning, as the government aims to connect every community digitally, and every citizen should have the knowledge and skills to use and access information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Meanwhile, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy thanked Legarda for her support in advancing digitalization in the country. He vowed to continue with more implementations of digital transformation in various localities. Legarda reiterated that internet services connect people and empower citizens, enabling Filipino families to access information, health, and education platforms, as well as government services that are available online. In this highly-evolving digital world, Legarda affirmed that no one should be left behind, and every citizen should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to use and access ICTs effectively.