THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology launched eight free Wi-Fi sites and a Tech4Ed Center in Lucena, Quezon in partnership with the city government.

The project is part of DICT’s initiative to strengthen the free Wi-Fi sites in different localities as the country continues to transition to the new normal.

DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II stressed the pandemic should not be a hindrance for the country’s growth and development.

“Dinagdagan natin iyong efforts natin. Hindi natin puwedeng payagan na iyong pandemya ang maging sagabal sa pag-unlad ng bansa natin lalo na’t ang Information and Communications Technology has become the primary tool for our people, for the challenges of our times,” he said.

Lucena City Councilor Benito Brizuela Jr. and City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr. supported the DICT’s project as it will bring Lucena closer to its vision of becoming a digital city.

“This program of the DICT has surely enabled us, both the community and the government to access greater avenues and opportunities for development and technological growth. Thanks to our DICT, together with our local government, access to free internet is now at our reach. Kaisa po tayo sa hangarin na abutin ang ating pangarap na ganap na maging isang Smart City — a Smarter Lucena City,” Brizuela said.

Alcala said the project will provide the needed internet connection in the city that will help continue its other projects.

“The free Wi-Fi for All Project of the department can provide the City of Lucena the much-needed source of connectivity for its line-up of priority projects since our initial projects focus on public safety and law and order,” Alcala said.

Also, the DICT signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Lucena City government and provided ICT equipment for the establishment of the city’s Tech4Ed Center in support of the city’s advocacy for online learning.