Free Wi-Fi Installed at UPB and BSU Through the DICT’s Free WiFi for All Program

The Students, faculty, and visitors of two of the biggest state universities in the Cordillera, the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) and Benguet State University (BSU), can now use free internet connection as the universities are already connected to the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Free Wi-Fi for All Program (FWAP).

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the DICT has released a statement revealing that the installation of Free Wi-Fi started at the UPB before Luzon was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“Students who were stranded on campus were then able to utilize the connection early on,” the department stated.

According to Jose Kym Alvaro, a System/Network Office personnel at the UPB, “Fortunately, it was installed before the pandemic. When communication is vital but scarce, nakatulong siya. And the Free Wi-Fi reaches up to our dorm. So our students, while they were here dahil hindi pa sila makauwi noon, hindi makatravel, nagamit nila.”

“Right now, nagagamit ng personnel, ng public na pumupunta dito for any concerns, and even our students here in Baguio na pumupunta parin dito for their academic concerns,” Alvaro added.

Free Wi-Fi Also Provided for BSU College of Nursing and the College of Agriculture

The department also disclosed that through the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, free public Internet connectivity was also provided even at the College of Nursing and the College of Agriculture of Benguet State University located at La Trinidad, Benguet.

On a post shared by the official DICT – Free Wi-Fi for All Facebook page, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Dr. Jude Tayaben, an outgoing Dean of the Benguet State University College of Nursing, stated that the free WiFi hubs are a blessing that will help their facilitators and learners.

“This is a preparation for flexible learning. We’re planning for online and limited face-to-face, and most of the resources that we are having now are in need of internet connection,” shared Dr. Tayaben.

Free Wi-Fi Also to Be Installed at BSU Bokod and Buguias Campuses

Furthermore, the DICT as well as bared its plans on installing more Wi-Fi hubs at the Campuses of BSU at Bokod and Buguias. “The provision of free internet at the BSU Bokod and Buguias Campuses is also in the pipeline,” DICT recently revealed in a statement.

What is Free Wi-Fi for All program?

The Free Wi-Fi for All Program, according to the DICT, is among their flagship programs. The aim of the program is to provide free internet access in public places nationwide, pursuant to Republic Act 10929 also known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.

“DICT aims to enhance internet accessibility for Filipinos by providing free internet access in public places,” stated the department.

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Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA), Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), DICT| Official Facebook,  DICT-Benguet| Official Facebook, DICT – Free Wi-Fi for All| Official Facebook