The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched 22 WiFi sites in Samar provinces that will address the digital divide on the island.

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said on Thursday that DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy visited the province on June 27 to launch the project for Samar Island as part of DICT’s initiative to strengthen the free WiFi sites in rural communities at the provincial capitol.

Uy said the project would help Northern Samar in its efforts for growth and development.

“Information and communications technology has become the primary tool for our people in our pursuit of growth and development and to cope with the challenges of our times,” Uy said in a statement.

Of the 22 sites, five are in Northern Samar province, 15 in Samar, and two in Eastern Samar.

For Northern Samar, these sites are in public places in Catarman town, the capital of Northern Samar province.

Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato supported the DICT’s project as it will bring Northern Samar closer to its vision of fully espousing digital governance.

“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 the provincial government, access to free internet is now within our reach.” Ongchuan said in a statement.

Aside from the free WiFi, the DICT will also set up the Tech4ED project in the towns of Lapinig, Mapanas, Silvino Lubos, Las Navas, and Biri Island to provide a hub for digital information and a reliable internet connection to the people of Northern Samar.

The agency is working on the establishment of free WiFi sites in the country, especially in geographically challenged areas as part of its goal to end the so-called digital divide. (PNA)