MALAYBALAY CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ caravan
expanded free internet access to 322 locations across Bukidnon, mostly in remote public schools,
as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched its Free
Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) on Sept. 14 at Bukidnon State University.

DICT Undersecretary Christian Mark G. Guingcangco led the launch under the Handog ng
Pangulo initiative honoring the President’s birthday.
“The free Wi-Fi program gives residents open and unlimited internet access as long as they are
within the Wi-Fi coverage range. It provides another way to access information, online learning
resources, communication platforms, and digital government services,” Guingcangco said.
He said the program covers 322 locations across Bukidnon, mostly in remote public schools,
extending internet access to communities that may otherwise have limited connectivity.
The launch complemented other assistance delivered during Handog ng Pangulo, including farm
machinery, livelihood support, loan releases, agricultural inputs, financial assistance, and other
services.

Participating agencies included the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10,
Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and Industry-Bukidnon, National
Irrigation Administration-Bukidnon, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-
Bukidnon, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., the Department of Agriculture, and the Department
of Migrant Workers.
Guingcangco explained that while other agencies delivered immediate support for farming,
livelihood, employment, and social assistance, DICT expanded public reach to digital
information and online platforms.
He said combining these initiatives enabled Bukidnon residents to secure on-site relief while
establishing digital connectivity through a single event.
“For far-off communities, wider internet access opens a direct link to vital information and
government services. By bringing free internet to far-flung areas, the government expands
essential public services delivered to Bukidnon residents,” Guingcangco said. (Alyssa Faye F.
Rallos/PIA-10/Bukidnon)