Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and telco giant Globe officially launched the Bayanihan SIM initiative at Kalawakan Elementary School, a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) in Bulacan, as part of national efforts to close the digital divide.

The kickoff event, a collaborative effort embodying the spirit of "bayanihan" included GCash, the Department of Education, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The ceremonial launch saw the distribution of Globe-powered TM SIM cards, each pre-loaded with 25GB of monthly open-access data, to 500 students, teachers and parents.

Globe personnel were on-site to assist with the activation and registration of each SIM card, as well as data configuration.

Beneficiaries received an additional 5GB upon activation and have the opportunity to unlock 15GB more by loading P150 per month for the first three months. This incentive aims to encourage consistent digital habits, literacy and inclusion.

The initiative is anchored in Republic Act No. 10929, also known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.

It seeks to promote digital inclusion by providing access to learning, livelihood opportunities and essential government services in remote communities.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stressed the program’s broader impact.

“Guided by the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that no Filipino is left offline, this initiative goes beyond simply distributing SIM cards; it is a bold step toward closing the digital divide for millions of our countrymen,” Aguda said. “Through our partnership with Globe, we are ensuring that even the most underserved communities are included in the country’s digital future.”

Beyond infrastructure, the Bayanihan SIM initiative is designed to create tangible daily benefits.

Students can now stream DepEd TV lessons, access Khan Academy for supplemental learning and participate in online group work via platforms like Facebook Messenger.

Teachers can manage digital classrooms, distribute materials and attend online training sessions on platforms such as Zoom.

Parents can explore livelihood and financial tools through online Facebook groups like ThisisKwela, utilize GCash for secure digital transactions and access e-commerce, fintech and health-tech platforms to improve their quality of life.

This program marks the first time the government is extending infrastructure subsidies to telecommunication companies to help bridge connectivity gaps in GIDA communities.

Across the industry, the program is expected to support the rollout of 1 million SIM cards, each with 25GB of monthly data. It will also enable the construction of new towers in unserved areas and optimize network performance in underserved locations.

Carl Cruz, Globe president and CEO, highlighted the company’s role in the initiative.

“Globe is proud to lead the industry in this milestone program in partnership with the government,” Cruz said. “We believe that access to connectivity should not depend on geography. Through our infrastructure, our platform and strong collaboration with the public sector, we are enabling opportunities where it’s needed most and turning digital inclusion from vision to reality.”

“Globe is here not just to provide signal — but to build opportunity, one community at a time," he added.