DBM PRESS RELEASE
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman has authorized the release of an additional P3.681 billion in funding to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to sustain the implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) nationwide.
“Tuloy na tuloy po ang ating free Wi-Fi Program. By approving this additional budget within our calibrated fiscal program, we reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing inclusive and accessible internet for all,” Sec. Mina said.
“As mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will ensure that every citizen, saan mang sulok ng Pilipinas, makikinabang sa ating digital transformation initiatives,” Secretary Pangandaman added.
The released fund is expected to benefit a total of 13,462 Access Point (AP) sites in various locations nationwide.
Part of the FPIAP is the building and maintaining of ICT infrastructure such as towers, data centers, and internet connections. It aims to maintain connectivity in public areas like schools, libraries, parks, and transportation hubs, providing Filipinos with reliable internet services for education, work, and daily life activities.
“Naiintindihan po natin na kailangan talaga ito ng ating mga kababayan. With the budget released, we are hopeful that the DICT can proceed swiftly with the fund disbursement and expedite the program's implementation,” urged the Budget Secretary.
The additional fund is chargeable against the Special Account in the General Fund - Free Public Internet Access Fund (SAGF-FPIAF) for FY 2024. This is on top of the P2.5 billion already allocated for the FPIAF in the current year which is expected to be fully obligated this month.
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DBM Press Release
Ika-22 ng Agosto 2024
Pangandaman, inaprubahan ang P3.681 bilyon para maipagpatuloy ang nationwide free Wi-Fi program
Pinahintulutan ni Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman ang pagpapalabas ng karagdagang P3.681 bilyong pondo sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) para mapanatili ang pagpapatupad ng Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) sa buong bansa.
“Tuloy na tuloy po ang ating free Wi-Fi Program. By approving this additional budget within our calibrated fiscal program, we reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing inclusive and accessible internet for all,” pahayag ni Sec. Mina.
“As mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will ensure that every citizen, saan mang sulok ng Pilipinas, makikinabang sa ating digital transformation initiatives,” dagdag ni Secretary Pangandaman.
Naasahan na ang pagpapalabas ng pondo ay magbibigay ng benepisyo sa kabuuang 13,462 Access Point (AP) sites sa iba't ibang lokasyon sa buong bansa.
Bahagi ng FPIAP ay ang pagtatayo at pagpapanatili ng mga ICT infrastructure tulad ng tower, data center, at internet connection. Nilalayon nito na mapanatili ang connectivity sa mga pampublikong lugar gaya ng mga eskwelahan, libraries, parks, at transportation hubs, upang magbigay ng maaasahang internet services para sa edukasyon, trabaho at pang-araw-araw na mga aktibidad sa buhay.
“Naiintindihan po natin na kailangan talaga ito ng ating mga kababayan. With the budget released, we are hopeful that the DICT can proceed swiftly with the fund disbursement and expedite the program's implementation,” paghimok ng Budget Secretary.
Ang karagdagang pondo ay kukunin mula sa Special Account in the General Fund - Free Public Internet Access Fund (SAGF-FPIAF) para sa FY 2024. Ito ay bukod pa sa P2.5 bilyon na inilaan na para sa FPIAF sa kasalukuyang taon na inaasahang ganap nang na-obligate ngayong buwan.
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