Public schools as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide may soon enjoy password-free internet access after Congress earmarked P5 billion to expand the network of public Wi-Fi hotspots under the 2026 national budget.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar lone district Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said public learning institutions will be prioritized under the P5-billion allocation in the 2026 General Appropriations Act for the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).

Gonzales said the new funding will supplement the P7.5 billion allocated for the FPIAP in 2025.

“We are counting on the program's expansion to boost access to online learning, distance education, and vital digital services, particularly in underserved and remote communities,” Gonzales said.

He added that the expanded public Wi-Fi network will also benefit people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), allowing them to access essential online resources such as government skills-training platforms and employment services.

“Strengthening digital infrastructure in off-grid and hard-to-reach communities is essential to closing persistent development gaps and ensuring all Filipinos can participate in the digital economy,” Gonzales said.

Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, mandates the nationwide installation of free internet access points in public spaces, including parks, libraries, barangay halls, elementary and secondary schools, SUCs, hospitals, airports, seaports, and land transport terminals.

Funding for the FPIAP is sourced from spectrum user fees collected by the National Telecommunications Commission from private telecommunications companies.

The Philippines currently ranks 11th worldwide in total number of internet users, estimated at 97.5 million, according to global research platform DataReportal.