INTERNET provider Converge ICT Solutions and the local government of Bataan recently launched a program that will provide free fiber access for educational purposes in 500 homes.

Bataan Governor Joet Garcia said that “Fiber to the Home, Libreng Internet Para sa Edukasyon,” targets to connect more than 100,000 homes in the province.

“Dito, 500 ang makokonektahan ng Fiber to the Home at sa buong probinsya ng Bataan, higit na 100,000 makokonekta. Hindi lang estudyante ang mabibigyan ng koneksyon kundi pati ang mahigit na 6,000 faculty ay mabibigyan ng Fiber to Home,” Garcia said.

The program was launched at the Pagalanggang National High School in Dinalupihan, Bataan on October 10. Some 50 scholars from the school will be the first beneficiaries of the program.

Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said the program emphasizes the learners’ “right to information” to ensure that they receive proper education.

“Information technology is part and parcel of students’ learning at this age. I’d like to congratulate the leadership of Bataan that made this happen. Whatever the province of Bataan needs, we will support them for the education of these students,” Uy said.

Uy said that the laying down of fiber network in Bataan began 20 years ago, making the province one of the first expansion areas outside of Converge’s home in Pampanga.

Bataan School Divisions Office Superintendent Dr. Roland Fronda said the project will help realize the Department of Education’s vision of “shaping Filipinos who passionately love their country with their values and competencies.”

“Among the things that will be enjoyed by our students, learners, and parents that we did not enjoy during the pandemic is the FTTH project,” Fronda said.