DepEd’s Vision for All Public Schools Connected to Internet
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) announced its ambitious plan to have all public schools connected to the internet by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to enhance digital access in education across the country.
The announcement followed the launch of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Phases 2 and 3 on July 7 in Leyte. This program establishes new connection points nationwide to boost bandwidth and improve internet access, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including public schools.
National Fiber Backbone as a Game-Changer
DepEd described the NFB as a “game-changer” for the education sector. With around 47,000 public schools under its supervision, many still lack stable internet access. Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized, “We cannot improve the quality of education if our schools are not connected to the world.”
He added that under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and through the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government agencies, the department is promoting digital inclusion driven by compassion.
Digital Bayanihan Project Reaches Last-Mile Schools
In partnership with DICT and through the NFB, DepEd’s Digital Bayanihan Project aims to reach schools in remote areas. This campaign includes deploying digital infrastructure nationwide, with the Bayanihan SIM Program addressing mobile connectivity needs.
Currently, over 113,000 students, 3,800 teachers, and 357 public schools have been chosen to receive free SIM cards with data access. The initial rollout began on June 27 in Bulacan, Zambales, and Quezon provinces.
Public-Private Partnerships for Digital School Infrastructure
Further efforts include the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project for Digitalization, which plans to deliver devices, solar-powered solutions, and satellite internet packages to underserved schools starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.
One success story is Bay-ang National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo, which was once a “dead spot.” Today, the school enjoys free public WiFi thanks to the program. School head Harence Cacho shared, “It was very difficult for us to submit school reports, especially since almost all of them had to be submitted online. Back then, whenever there were online webinars, we had to go to places with internet access. But all of that changed when DepEd and DICT brought free Wi-Fi for all.”
These initiatives mark significant progress in bridging the digital divide in Philippine education. By ensuring that all public schools are connected to the internet, DepEd hopes to elevate the quality of learning and empower students and teachers nationwide.
For more news and updates on education connectivity, visit Filipinokami.com.