DBM releases P3 billion for free internet access in schools and public areas

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P3 billion to expand free internet access in public schools and public areas.

Half of the fund, P1.5 billion, is allocated to the Department of Education's (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, targeting public schools in remote areas.

This aims to provide students and teachers with free Wi-Fi access, reducing the burden of traveling or spending extra for connectivity.

An estimated 8,253 public schools are expected to benefit from this allocation.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will implement the school program in collaboration with DepEd and will also use the other P1.5 billion for its Free Public Internet Access Program to broaden free internet availability in public places.