The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is accelerating its efforts to expand free WiFi access across the Philippines, with a goal of increasing public hotspots from the current 18,000 to 50,000, Secretary Henry Aguda announced Sunday.

Speaking in a radio interview, Aguda said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive of “no Filipino left behind or no Filipino left online” and stressed that internet access must be universal and safe for all citizens.

'The internet should be used productively — for online learning, business, and connecting with Filipinos abroad.'

“When President Marcos invited me to join the Cabinet, his marching order was clear: every Filipino should be online, and every Filipino should feel safe online,” Aguda said.

“People should not feel anxious when they use the internet,” he added.

To achieve this vision, the DICT is working to meet the requirements of the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), which mandates free internet services in public spaces.

Aguda said that the agency is pushing to more than double the number of WiFi hotspots within the current year.

Acknowledging that fiber internet cannot reach all areas, Aguda announced that the DICT will also launch the ‘JuanSIM ng Bayan’ initiative. This project will distribute one million free SIM cards, prioritizing disadvantaged communities, particularly schools without internet access.

Approximately five million Filipinos are expected to benefit from this program.

Furthermore, the DICT is collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to deploy satellite internet services to 10,000 to 15,000 remote schools, ensuring connectivity for even the most isolated communities.

“All available technologies will be deployed this year,” Aguda stressed. “Our priority is to make sure schools are connected by the next school year.”

Aguda also addressed growing concerns about cybersecurity threats, including hacking and financial crimes. He noted that the government will soon introduce new policies aimed at creating a cleaner and safer online environment.

“The internet should be used productively — for online learning, business, and connecting with Filipinos abroad,” Aguda said. “If we allow malicious use to grow, telecommunications companies will continue to struggle in maintaining good service quality.”

He also stressed that other countries have successfully curbed online scams and that the Philippines will soon begin adopting stricter policies to follow suit.