The local government unit of Piddig, Ilocos Norte looks forward to connecting all its schools and villages with free internet connection even in its remotest areas.

Powered by a fiber-optic internet system of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Inc. (PLDT)/Smart Communications Inc., Mayor Eddie Guillen, in an interview on Wednesday, said the municipal government has allotted around PHP16 million for the three-year project starting this year.

Sourced from the 20 percent development fund of the Piddig government, Guillen hopes to inaugurate the free internet project on June 29, 2021.

The free internet program covers the whole town of Piddig which aims to connect and power up both primary and secondary schools with no internet connectivity as well as residents who may wish to venture into e-commerce, among others.

He reported that a point-to-point internet connection in Piddig town is currently being installed in village halls and schools.

“Instead of giving PHP100 load allowance to our students weekly, why don’t we just install a dedicated internet line to benefit all our constituents?” said Guillen citing the fiber connection ensures a faster and reliable internet signal in his hometown.

After the three-year contract, the amortization will be reduced from PHP6 million to PHP250,000 per year.

“This will save us a lot in the long term,” he added.

As of this posting, the wireless internet service provider tower is being installed at the municipal hall building where the smaller antenna receivers installed in government offices and public places will get their power.

Since the start of the distance education program of the Department of Education, Piddig town is among the first local government units in the province that extended assistance to its students.

For example, a Sangguniang Kabataan youth hub was set up in Barangay Gayamat, Piddig, Ilocos Norte to provide free PHP100 worth of internet load good for a week to its poor students. There is also free unlimited printing for school requirements and free stationery materials as needed. (PNA)