• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 582 free public Wi-Fi sites are expected to become active and operational across Negros Occidental within 2026, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology–Negros Island Region (DICT-NIR).
On Sept. 14, Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez joined the DICT-NIR and the Silay City Government in launching the free public Wi-Fi sites at the Silay City Public Plaza and Roberto L. Jalandoni Silay City College.
The activation forms part of Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat, a nationwide initiative aimed at bringing government services closer to communities.
The two newly activated sites in Silay City are now operational and accessible to the public.
With the addition of the Silay facilities, the province is advancing efforts to expand internet connectivity and improve access to digital services, particularly in communities facing barriers to internet access.
According to DICT-NIR data, 120 free public Wi-Fi sites have been confirmed across the Third District, with 55 undergoing procurement. Silay City has 28 sites listed under the program.
DICT-NIR reported in June 2026 that 80 percent of beneficiaries prioritized under its free Wi-Fi Program are located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Benitez, in his message during the launch, emphasized the importance of responsible internet use, telling participants: “Access with awareness. Connectivity with responsibility.”
He cited the 2024 National ICT Household Survey, which showed that 48.8 percent of Filipino households had internet access at home, with the high cost of subscriptions and equipment identified as the leading barriers.
Internet use in Western Visayas stood at 61.5 percent among individuals aged 10 and above, compared with the national rate of 67.3 percent.
The Silay launch also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding between DICT and the Silay local government for ICT capacity-building, an eGovPH helpdesk, a cyber hygiene talk, and a DICT information booth. | GPB
