Community internet hotspots in the towns of Pinili, Paoay, Currimao, and Badoc in the second district of Ilocos Norte are currently being tested to ensure all learners can connect under the new normal education system in time for the virtual opening of classes on October 5.

Aileen Rambaud, school principal of the Badio Elementary School in Pinili town, said Wednesday they are thankful for the latest installation of an internet tower in their school courtesy of the Office of Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba which is expected to boost their internet service connection.

“For now, we are dependent on our data connection but we are currently working on putting up our own internet provider to provide free internet access to our learners and the community,” Rambaud said.

The Badio school internet signal can reach out to a span of 1.5 kilometers. Other schools in the province are also working on the final installation of their internet towers with the help of various public and private stakeholders.

In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) distance learning education, Barba donated materials for the installation of community hotspots in the second district of Ilocos Norte. Other school supplies composed of copier machines, A4 hard copy bond papers, and heavy-duty staple wires were also turned over to the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte for the reproduction of modules for learners.

Amid the global pandemic, the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte have seen an increase of enrollees in public schools compared to private schools.

To date, a total of 89,624 learners have enrolled in public and private schools in the province. All schools in the province gear towards flexible teaching and learning delivery options with enhanced support from various stakeholders. (PNA)