Residents and educators in Leyte are celebrating the improved digital connectivity in the province following the successful installation of free public Wi-Fi access points, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) under the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) during the recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Three new Wi-Fi access points are now operational at the historic MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte.
These are expected to significantly benefit public events, enhance the tourism experience, and strengthen the local government’s emergency response capabilities.
According to the DICT, the free Wi-Fi service delivers speeds of up to 200 Mbps through DICT and 50 Mbps via private partner Freq IT Solutions.
In addition to the park, the DICT has also installed two public Wi-Fi access points at the Leyte Tourism and Investment Promotion Center, further improving digital services for both locals and visiting tourists.
Educators in the region also welcomed the development, recognizing its potential in supporting online learning, communication, and resource access.
The availability of high-speed internet is particularly meaningful for schools, many of which face connectivity challenges in remote and underserved areas.
The said move forms part of the broader national effort to bridge the digital divide, with Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) now hosting 201 free Wi-Fi sites and 301 access points as of June 30.
Nationwide, the number of public access points has surged from 4,000 in 2022 to about 18,000 today.
To verify the service's reliability, an online dialogue was conducted using the newly launched Wi-Fi in Palo, connecting schools and health units from distant regions including Batanes, Zambales, Marawi, and Tawi-Tawi.
The test demonstrated stable connectivity and showcased the program’s reach across the archipelago.
The rollout also coincided with the launch of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Project in Palo.
This infrastructure expansion will lay down the essential groundwork for broader and more stable internet services in rural and urban areas alike.
With these developments, internet access is shifting from being a luxury to a necessity—enabling education, tourism, public service delivery, and emergency response.
The DICT’s initiative not only enhances digital inclusion but also paves the way for more resilient and connected communities across the country.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews