Senator seeks review of slow implementation of free public Wi-Fi

• Published date: 21 November 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for a review the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act upon learning that only 1.8 percent of public schools nationwide have access to free public Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity).

Gatchalian filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 59, which seeks a review on the implementation of RA 10929 and the Open Distance Learning Act (RA 10650), that mandates the University of the Philippines Open University to contribute toward upgrading the quality of the educational system of the country by developing innovative instructional strategies and technologies, and sharing these with other colleges and universities through cooperative programs.

Gatchalian asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology to ensure that it would hit its target in rolling out internet connection in public places, including educational institutions, during the deliberation of its proposed 2023 budget of PHP7.3 billion, with PHP2.5 billion earmarked for the implementation of RA 10929.

'Our learners are the ones who will...