THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology installed internet connection in public schools in Baguio City and Benguet to help students in their distance learning.

Free internet was installed in the following public schools: Happy Hollow National High School, Happy Hollow Elementary School, Philippine Military Academy, Benguet State University, Roxas Elementary School, Quezon Elementary School, Baguio City School of Arts and Trade, Special Education Center, Mabini Elementary School, University of the Philippines-Baguio and Baguio City National High School.

The department also installed internet services in hospitals and government offices.

The initiative is mandated by Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.

Jordan Habbiling, information officer of the Baguio City Council, said that according to Antonio Edward Padre of the DICT-Baguio, the city and Benguet are among the growth areas of Phase 1 of the National Broadband Plan implementation.

“The NBP is the DICT’s blueprint in deploying broadband technologies to close the digital divide and ensure that Filipino citizens get access to accessible, affordable, and quality broadband services,” Habbiling said.