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The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) formally launched the BroadBand ng Masa (BBM) Program at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP)-Obrero campus in Davao City on 29 March 2023. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in the country by providing connectivity, especially in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) sites.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy highlighted the importance of the BBM in elevating digital literacy in the country “Many of our learners will finally gain better access to learning materials in cyberspace. We want to connect not just the universities but also communities in far-flung areas,” Secretary Uy said.

Two free Wi-Fi hotspots were installed in the USeP-Obrero campus will have two free Wi-Fi hotspots; one in the College of Engineering Building and another in the College of Technology Building. In addition to these, the DICT is also planning to deploy 22 free Wi-Fi sites in State Universities and Colleges throughout the Davao region. These hotspots are capable of providing 100-500 Mbps speed and have been designed to give learners easy access to the internet, enabling them to gain access to online learning materials.

“The Broadband ng Masa Program will also contribute to improving the quality of education by providing more online access to libraries, collaborative efforts in communicating with peers and experts from all over the world, and the utilization of digital tools in enhancing our learning experience,” Secretary Uy added.

USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. expressed appreciation for being chosen as a beneficiary of the program. “This BroadBand ng Masa Program would greatly contribute to the achievement of the University’s vision to become a premier research university, transforming communities in the ASEAN and beyond, as more and more students will have free, easier, and faster access to significant information, knowing that as a state University, we have a large number of students here,” Dr. Gabales Jr. said.

DICT Assistant Secretary Philip A. Varilla, DICT XI Regional Director Evamay C. Dela Rosa, DICT XI Assistant Regional Director Erlito Tancontian, USeP Vice President for Administration Dr. Ma. Luisa B. Faunillan, USeP Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance Dr. Tamara Cher R. Mercado, USeP College of Information and Computing (CIC) Dean Dr. Ivy Kim C. Machica, CIC Faculty, DICT personnel and officers, USeP-Obrero campus students, and media partners were also present during the event.

#DICT #ICTPh #BroadBandngMasa