A project launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has recently enabled 1,000 free WiFi access points. Through this, nearly 220 public higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country will now enjoy free internet access.
The WiFi access points were installed and later implemented by PLDT, one of the major telecommunications companies in the Philippines. As part of UNDP’s ongoing efforts to offer free internet access to the growing number of people worldwide and to enhance basic public services focused on health and education, this effort is integral to the UNDP’s overall remit.
Moreover, such a program also aligns with DICT and UNDP’s commitment to helping communities recover from the ramifications caused by the global health crisis. This is done by providing them with assistance and support in recovery.
Manny Caintic, Department of Information, Communications, and Technology Secretary, specifically mentions that one of the main objectives of the “free WiFi project” is to encourage the development of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
