TACLOBAN CITY — Thousands of low-income families in Eastern Visayas are set to gain improved internet access as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched on Tuesday, April 14, the distribution of free SIM cards under its Bayanihan SIM Project.
The initiative, part of the government’s Free Public Internet Access Program, targets beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable connectivity to underserved households.
Beyond basic internet access, the project is also expected to support the delivery of government services, including cash assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), such as fuel subsidies for drivers.
Beneficiaries will be able to access these services through the eGovPH mobile application, streamlining transactions and improving efficiency.
The turnover of SIM cards was led by DICT Regional Office VIII Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Atty. Melvyn Carlo T. Barroa and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Engr. Dante P. Rosales to DSWD Field Office VIII Regional Director Grace Q. Subong and Assistant Regional Director for Administration Clarito T. Logronio, who will oversee distribution to qualified recipients.
Each SIM card comes with a monthly allocation of 25GB of data for one year, enabling beneficiaries to access essential information, avail of online government services, and explore digital opportunities such as education, communication, and livelihood platforms.
Officials said the program underscores the government’s push for inclusive digital development, ensuring that even marginalized sectors can benefit from connectivity. It also reflects strengthened inter-agency collaboration aimed at enhancing social service delivery and expanding access to digital resources across communities in the region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
