THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has partnered with Pangasinan province and the Municipality of Manaoag for the construction of broadband networks.

Under the partnership, the DICT will install Free Wi-Fi for All in the province and will construct the Pangasinan Provincial Broadband Network and the Manaoag Municipal Broadband Network.

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the prioritization of the establishment of internet connection because it will unite Filipino people.

“Ang marching orders galing sa ating mahal na Pangulo ay connectivity. Sabi niya, ‘Secretary, ang mission mo ay connectivity: you connect government to other governments, domestic and global, connect government to business, para lumago ang ekonomiya natin; connect government to the citizens, ‘yung ating mga mamamayan; and then connect everybody to each other because that is the only way you will unite this beautiful and blessed country that you call Philippines’,” he said.

The Pangasinan provincial government sees the broadband network as a ‘game changer’, saying that it will allow remote communities to access digital opportunities.

This initiative is in line with the first phase of the National Broadband Program which will link established provincial broadband networks to the national fiber connection.