By Bea Rollo
(June 5, 2025) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced on Wednesday the launch of the Bayanihan SIM project.
It is through the directive of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to enhance internet connectivity across the country, particularly in remote areas.
DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado said in a Malacañang press briefing that the project will distribute approximately one million SIM cards to students and teachers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
“Ang layon po natin ay marami ang digital infrastructure which is iyong tower ss iba’t ibang lugae especially doon sa ating mga GIDA areas,” Mercado said, emphasizing that cell towers will be utilized to provide the necessary signal.
The SIM cards, which come with a monthly data allocation of 25GB, will be given free of charge.
Mercado said the priority beneficiaries are students and educators to support educational needs in underserved communities.
The DICT is working with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to implement the three-year project. GIDA locations will be identified in coordination with NEDA and posted on the DICT website.
Distribution of the SIM cards is expected to begin between the end of the second quarter and the third quarter of 2025.
Moreover, Mercado noted that the terms of reference and distribution guidelines have already been finalized.
The Bayanihan SIM project also aims to encourage private telecommunications companies to expand services in remote areas.
“Ang ginawa na po namin sa DICT, kami na po ang maunang magtayo doon. Kapag nagtayo kami doon, maipakita namin sa MNOs (mobile network operators), ‘Ay, may benta pala rito'” Mercado explained.
The initiative is part of the administration’s broader push to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines.
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