The indigenous community of Barangay Happy Hallow in Baguio City is now online after the launching of three free Wi-Fi sites on Aug. 5.
This was made possible by the Department of Information and Communications Technology Luzon Cluster 1’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program in partnership with Benguet Electric Cooperative.
The free Wi-Fi sites installed at the Happy Hallow Elementary School, Happy Hallow National High School, and at the barangay hall.
During the launching, teachers in the barangay conducted a simulation of online learning session.
DICT Luzon Cluster 1 Director, Engr. Leo Ugto, Beneco representative Joel Anglob, Department of Education-Baguio Schools Division Superintendent Marie Carolyn Verano, and Happy Hallow Punong Barangay Joseph Sacley led the launching.
Verano said the Wi-Fi installation is timely, especially since the barangay has been selected as a pilot area in Baguio for the new modality of the educational system.
“Without Wi-Fi, students will not be able to experience blended learning,” Verano said.
Happy Hallow has been bugged by connectivity problems because of its topography.
“Ang Happy Hallow ay masyadong malayo sa sentro. So, nahuhuli kami sa lahat ng development lalo na ‘yung high school namin. You have to hike to reach the place. We are happy that in a short period, nagawa ito para makaabot tayo sa bagong sistema ng education,” Sacley said.
Under the partnership, DICT provided bandwidth while Beneco provided manpower, facilities, and its fiber optic network, which are used as the digital transmission lines.
Anglob said DICT and Beneco share the same vision of establishing connectivity up to unserved and underserved communities.
“This is only our first step in bridging the digital divide in the barangay. Rest assured that we will implement more projects here. We will set the establishment of a Tech4ED Center so the public can also enjoy free computer usage,” Ugto said. – Press release
April 20, 2024
