𝐁𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏⎮ 𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓, 𝐋𝐏𝐆𝐌𝐀, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐆𝐔 | ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

The digital divide narrowed notably on campus soil as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 02 formally launched its Free WiFi Program at the Isabela State University–Cauayan City Campus, February 27.

Cast as the fulfillment of a state obligation rather than a routine technological upgrade, the ceremony assembled regional and national authorities, university executives, and local government leaders. Critical to the implementation was the sponsorship of the LPGMA Party List, which facilitated the funding mechanism behind the deployment of the connectivity infrastructure.

The program integrates high-speed satellite connectivity powered by Starlink, enabling students to access online academic platforms, research databases, and digital classrooms without charge. Attendees witnessed a ceremonial countdown culminating in the formal activation of the network, marking the official commencement of campus-wide free connectivity through a QR-enabled access portal.

Assistant Secretary Pinky T. Jimenez emphasized that connectivity has shifted from peripheral support to institutional backbone, asserting that bandwidth now determines the breadth of opportunity available to learners in the provinces.

The event also drew the presence of Cong. Allan U. Ty, representative of the LPGMA Party List in the House of Representatives, characterized the initiative as proof that legislation must materialize on the ground, not languish in paper archives. His remarks were reinforced by Assistant Secretary June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan, who highlighted inter-agency coordination as pivotal in accelerating regional digital transformation.

University President Boyet L. Batang hailed the program as a decisive expansion of the university’s academic frontier. Moreover, representing the City Government of Cauayan, Ms. Czarah Jane S. Dy, City Administrator, delivered the message on behalf of Hon. Caesar “Jaycee” S. Dy Jr., Cauayan City Mayor, highlighting the city’s firm backing for sustained connectivity initiatives and aligning city governance with the national government’s expanding digital blueprint.

The Free WiFi activation signals more than megabits per second. For students long constrained by prepaid data limits or erratic signal bars, it recalibrates academic terrain. Research can now be pursued without rationing bandwidth; virtual lectures can proceed uninterrupted; collaborative platforms can thrive without digital hesitation.

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