BOHOL — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is giving 13,000 students and teachers across Bohol free SIM cards pre‑loaded with 25 gigabytes of data every month. The initiative, part of the Bayanihan SIM Project, aims to keep learners connected even after school hours.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Far‑Flung Schools
The project targets residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and families under government social welfare programs. DICT Bohol chief Victor Magallanes said the second phase will cover 61 schools, building on an earlier rollout that delivered 2,600 SIMs to Alicia, Garcia Hernandez, Dimiao, and Valencia. The goal is to give every student the same chance to research and complete assignments online.
Teachers in remote villages often struggle with poor connectivity, making it hard to access digital teaching resources. The free SIMs allow them to prepare lessons, communicate with colleagues, and participate in online training. By putting mobile data directly into their pockets, DICT removes the barrier of distance from Wi‑Fi hotspots.
How the Bayanihan SIM Works
Each SIM comes with 25 gigabytes of monthly data for one year, enough for daily online research and schoolwork. Project Development Officer Jimmy Ratilla explained that the SIMs are issued only to subscribers with email addresses, and for minors, the card is entrusted to a parent or guardian. This ensures responsible use while keeping the focus on learning.
The program also restricts access to certain applications, blocking content that does not support education. Unused data does not carry over to the next month, encouraging consistent but mindful usage. DICT partnered with the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and private telecom firms to make the rollout seamless and well‑targeted.
More Hotspots to Complement Mobile Data
Alongside the SIM distribution, DICT will activate 132 new free public Wi‑Fi access points across 60 Bohol locations by July. This will bring the province’s total to nearly 500 access points in 200 sites, including plazas, schools, hospitals, and government offices. Magallanes said the combination of mobile data and fixed hotspots ensures that no student is left offline.
The Free Wi‑Fi for All program is mandated by Republic Act 10929, which guarantees internet access in public places and disadvantaged areas. With stronger digital infrastructure, micro and small enterprises in Bohol can also reach larger markets. The dual approach of SIM cards and public Wi‑Fi is designed to close the digital gap for good.
