THE NATIONAL  government has released PHP3 billion to fast-track full digital connectivity in public schools, particularly in remote and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced Wednesday.

Of the amount, PHP1.5 billion will go to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, which targets more than 8,200 “last-mile” schools nationwide.

Another PHP1.5 billion has been issued to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to support the Free Public Internet Access Program.

“Before, weak or non-existent Internet signals were a challenge for schools in remote areas. Today, we are making nationwide connectivity a reality,” Pangandaman said.

“Through this program, students and teachers, especially in far-flung areas, will finally benefit from reliable digital access. No Filipino learner will be left behind in digital education.”

The government is looking to achieve 100 percent school connectivity before the end of 2025.

“This funding marks a major step toward realizing that vision,” the budget chief said.

Under the 2025 national budget, DICT regional offices will implement the program using DepEd’s list of beneficiary schools through a joint memorandum of agreement.

“We want every young Filipino – whether in the city or in the farthest island – to have equal access to quality education,” Pangandaman said. (PNA)