The Department of Information and Communications Technology 11 (DICT 11) is strengthening its push to expand digital access for learners in the Davao Region through the ongoing implementation of the Bayanihan SIM Card Project, aimed at helping students and teachers especially those in remote communities keep pace in the digital age.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw held at SM City Davao on Monday, Engr. Eduardo Tuquib, officer-in-charge of DICT 11’s Technical Operations Division, said the initiative provides free SIM cards with mobile data to public school students and teachers to support online learning and enable access to digital government services.
Tuquib said the program reflects DICT 11’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, as embodied in the agency’s advocacy of “Walang Iwanan sa Digital Bayanihan.”
He noted that the project specifically addresses connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), where internet access is either limited or unavailable.
He added that through the provision of free SIM cards and subsidized data, beneficiaries are given better opportunities to engage in digital learning, conduct online research, and stay connected.
The Bayanihan SIM Project is being rolled out nationwide under the Free Public Internet Access Program and targets selected beneficiaries in both underserved and unserved communities within mobile network coverage areas. Across the country, the project covers 360 sites, with 2,780 SIM cards allotted per site. Of the 251 total lots bid, 205 are classified as underserved and 46 as unserved.
In the Davao Region, the project covers 21 sites, including nine unserved and 12 underserved areas. Distribution under the Globe network includes five underserved sites and one unserved site, with a total of 16,680 SIM cards.
Meanwhile, the Smart network covers four underserved and 11 unserved sites, distributing a total of 41,700 SIM cards.
Beneficiary schools in the region include Awao Elementary School, Napnapan National High School, Kilagding National High School, Talian Elementary School, and Andili National High School in Davao de Oro; Malupo Elementary School in Davao del Sur; San Isidro Elementary School in Davao del Norte; William Joyce Sr. Elementary School and Don Marcelino National High School in Davao Occidental; and L. Tamay Elementary School in Davao Oriental.
Tuquib said the initiative is expected to help learners in far-flung communities overcome connectivity challenges and advance the region’s goal of inclusive and accessible digital education.
