By William Agda
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in collaboration with Surigao del Norte Representative Bingo Matugas, launched Project CLICK and the Siargao Free Wi-Fi initiative on November 11, 2024. The program brings over 120 new Wi-Fi nodes to previously underserved areas, enhancing connectivity for the nine municipalities of Siargao Island.
The initiative aims to provide better access to information and communication technologies, supporting education, community reporting, and maintaining connections with family. As part of the launch, 43 selected scholars from the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) Del Carmen Campus received new laptops to aid in their studies. The distribution was conducted in the presence of CHED Regional Director Alma Sy-Patron.
DICT also unveiled the SNSU Del Carmen Campus Research and Innovation Systems Laboratory and the Del Carmen National High School Tech4Ed Digital Transformation Center (DTC). The SNSU Campus received 20 computers from DICT, with a commitment for an additional 43 units to maximize the laboratory’s capacity. Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) provided 46 computers to DCNHS and pledged an additional 46 units to fully equip its Tech4Ed-DTC Lab.
Also part of the event was the launch of the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project with the establishment of the Del Carmen Common Tower. The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Del Carmen donated a portion of the municipal complex to host this critical infrastructure, which aims to boost connectivity across the Siargao Islands.