The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Bayanihan SIM Project, aims to distribute 66,720 SIM (subscriber identity module) cards to public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Caraga Region.

The series of distribution activities from Jan. 20 to Feb. 12 this year is for Phase 1 of the project implementation.

“Of the SIM card allocations for the region, 27,800 are for Phase 1 and will be distributed to 60 public schools in the GIDA areas of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur,” Glynmer Jamito, DICT-13 Project Development Officer III and alternate regional information officer, said in an interview on Tuesday.

The phasing distribution is an initiative by DICT-13 based on the first batch of SIM cards received by the agency, he added.

A total of 4,770 SIM cards were distributed to 17 public schools in the GIDA towns of Bacuag, Gigaquit and Placer in Surigao del Norte on Jan. 20 to 22.

“The remaining SIM cards for the initial phase will be distributed until Feb. 12 to the GIDAs of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, and Siargao Islands,” Jamito said.

According to the data provided on Tuesday, one GIDA each will be covered in the towns of Madrid and Cantilan, and two in San Miguel, all in Surigao del Sur.

In Agusan del Sur, two GIDAs will be covered in Talacogon, three in Trento and 12 in Veruela.

Jamito said the DICT is finalizing the GIDAs to be covered in Siargao Island, in coordination with the Department of Education.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the DICT-13 emphasized that each SIM card includes a 25GB monthly data allocation, ensuring that both learners and educators can access online resources, learning platforms, and communication tools essential for academic growth.

“The Bayanihan SIM Project, a flagship initiative of the agency under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is designed to strengthen digital access for education in underserved communities,” the DICT-13 said.

Merly Paglinawan, a Grade 10 adviser at Campo National High School in Bacuag town, expressed gratitude to the government for implementing the project.

“I can already see that this will have a tangible impact, especially for schools that are underserved and located in GIDAs,” Paglinawan said. (PNA)