DICT, Globe Launch Bayanihan SIM in Bulacan School 2025
Nationwide Push for Digital Inclusion
Bayanihan SIM Project Rolls Out
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in collaboration with Globe Telecom, officially launched the Bayanihan SIM initiative at Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. During the event, 500 SIM cards—preloaded with 25 GB of monthly open-access data—were distributed to students, teachers, and parents in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA).
Each SIM was registered and activated on-site with assistance from Globe staff, who also loaded an additional 5 GB bonus data, plus the option to unlock 15 GB more with a ₱150 monthly top-up during the first three months. This launch marks the first phase of a larger push to connect remote communities through subsidized mobile data and new tower infrastructure.
Driving Forces Behind the Program
Aligning with National Policy
The Bayanihan SIM project is anchored in the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (RA 10929) and is part of the government’s broader Digital Bayanihan agenda. The DICT has allocated a ₱3 billion budget to distribute nearly 1 million SIM cards and support the construction of “common towers” in underserved areas.
DICT officials emphasized the importance of prioritizing students, teachers, and non-teaching staff in GIDA locations to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate viable connectivity options for private telecom investment.
Public‑Private Collaboration
The initiative brings together multiple agencies—Globe, GCash, the Department of Education, DILG, and PSA—working alongside DICT to ensure effective SIM distribution and support services. Globe’s role includes providing SIMs, managing on-site registration, and assisting users with connectivity setup and troubleshooting.
Positive Outcomes for Beneficiaries
Students, Educators, and Parents Gain
The Bayanihan SIM card gives students access to learning resources such as DepEd TV lessons, Khan Academy, and collaborative digital platforms for remote schooling. Teachers benefit from tools that support virtual classrooms, digital content sharing, and online professional development.
Parents receive access to livelihood, fintech, and health-tech services, including digital wallets and telehealth platforms. For the broader community, this project provides new pathways to education, economic empowerment, and quality of life improvements.
Building Lasting Connectivity
Infrastructure as a Foundation
Alongside SIM distribution, the DICT is financing the construction of common towers in remote GIDA communities. These towers will ensure sustained internet access long after the free data packages expire.
Undersecretary Faye Condez-de Sagon reported plans to distribute 600,000 SIMs by the end of 2025, with a target of 1 million SIMs by early 2026, potentially benefiting up to 5 million Filipinos.
Long-Term Economic Vision
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda highlighted the program’s potential to drive digital economic activity in isolated areas. With stable connectivity, residents can access online education, e-commerce, digital banking, and livelihood tools, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependency on aid.
Voices from the Community
Government and Industry Leaders Speak
Secretary Aguda emphasized that connecting remote schools is essential to the government’s goal of ensuring that “no Filipino is left offline.” Globe’s President and CEO, Ernest Cu, described the initiative as a step toward “turning digital inclusion from vision to reality,” made possible through shared infrastructure and coordinated implementation.
Joint Initiative in Motion
The Bayanihan SIM launch in Bulacan demonstrated the strength of public-private partnerships. DICT, Globe, DepEd, local governments, and other agencies worked hand-in-hand to deliver not just connectivity—but a model for inclusive development in underserved regions.
Looking Ahead
Expansion Across the Archipelago
Following the Bulacan launch, the Bayanihan SIM program will be rolled out in other remote municipalities, including Masinloc in Zambales, General Luna in Quezon, and similar GIDA communities nationwide.
The long-term goal is to equip every public school and poor rural area with dependable internet access as part of the government’s Digital Bayanihan strategy and the Free Public Internet Access initiative.
Measuring Impact and Continuity
To ensure sustainability, DICT will monitor the program’s impact using metrics such as student performance, teacher engagement, and connectivity reliability. These data will guide future expansions and determine the best model for long-term support.
Your Role in Digital Inclusion
Acting as a Digital Citizen
Local residents and beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Use the free data primarily for education and productivity
- Support community efforts to maintain connectivity
- Provide feedback to schools and local officials to improve implementation
This grassroots participation is vital to the success of the program.
Supporting a National Effort
This initiative goes beyond free internet—it represents:
- Empowered learners and teachers
- Improved access to education and livelihood
- A stronger, more connected nation
Conclusion
The launch of the Bayanihan SIM in Bulacan represents a meaningful step toward bridging the digital divide in the Philippines. By combining national policy, corporate resources, and local coordination, the DICT and Globe are helping to create a more inclusive digital future.
From a single elementary school in a remote town, the seeds of widespread digital transformation are being sown. With continued commitment, this initiative has the potential to uplift communities across the country—one SIM card at a time.