Digital Bayanihan promises better internet connectivity for Cavite students

GEN. MARIANO ALVAREZ, Cavite – More public schools are gaining access to high-speed internet as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expands its
“Digital Bayanihan” connectivity project in Cavite.

On July 1, the DICT led the distribution of Starlink satellite units at the Bulihan National High School in Silang and the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) in General Mariano Alvarez both in Cavite as part of the Digital Bayanihan initiative, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government unit.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, who led the distribution, said the move supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to equip public schools nationwide with reliable internet access, helping bridge the digital divide in education.

The DICT’s Starlink provision offers satellite internet connectivity that can accommodate up to 250 users simultaneously.

Aguda committed to connecting all public schools in the Philippines to the internet before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, DICT Calabarzon Regional Director Felix Tabanao Jr. assured that the agency will provide satellite internet connections to more schools in the region. Additionally, the government will supply Bayanihan SIM cards, which offer cellular data coverage within a five to six-kilometer radius.

“Following the directive of President Bongbong Marcos, we will not only provide one Starlink unit, but also Bayanihan SIM cards. This is a good option because the SIM can cover up to a 5 to 6-kilometer radius. Hopefully, we can add more Bayanihan SIMs by next year,” Tabanao added.

Tabanao also emphasized that the DICT remains committed to empowering students and educators by expanding free Wi-Fi services in remote and underserved communities across the Calabarzon region.

With the installation of satellite internet, students in government educational institutions in Cavite province can now enjoy better connectivity, which will help improve their learning experience.

Jay, a student, shared his excitement about using the new Starlink connectivity for his school work.

“This will really help us, especially in our research, because we don’t need to pay for cellular data. With the help of Starlink, we can now have faster access to the internet,” he said.

Cavite Fifth District Representative Roy Loyola expressed gratitude to DICT and emphasized the importance of internet access in modern education.

“In a time when internet connectivity is an essential part of learning, this initiative brings not only a reliable signal, but also hope, opportunities, and knowledge. It is a concrete step toward an inclusive, accessible, and future-ready education for every student and teacher in our district.” (PB, PIA4A)