BOTOLAN, Zambales — The Department of Information and Communications Technology in Region III (DICT-3) has installed and activated pubic wi-fi sites in remote Zambales villages, providing internet access to residents with limited or no connectivity.

Recipient villages include Nacolcol in the municipality of Botolan and Buhawen in the town of San Marcelino, said DICT-3 Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) focal person Carisma Gutierrez.

‎“These newly established connectivity sites aim to provide reliable and accessible internet services to residents, students, teachers, health workers, and local government personnel within the community,” Gutierrez said. 

Nacolcol and Buhawen are two of the remote villages in the province that were badly affected by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. To install the free wi-fi assemblies, DICT-3 personnel had to cross lahar rivers and go up mountain trails to reach the communities.

DICT-3 carried out the project in coordination with local government units and barangay officials, whose support and cooperation were instrumental in the successful deployment of the free Wi-Fi facilities.

The installation activities included site inspection, equipment mounting, configuration of network devices, and system testing to ensure stable connectivity and optimal performance for public use.

Gutierrez said that with the activation of Free Wi-Fi sites in these communities, residents now have better access to online learning resources, digital government services, livelihood opportunities, emergency communications, and other essential online platforms.

She added that through the continued implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program, DICT remains committed to bridging the digital divide, promoting digital inclusion, and empowering communities through improved connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and underserved areas. – Taktikom News & Features