THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution availing the Free WiFi Program of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)-Western Visayas to be installed in all public schools in the city.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino, was approved during the regular session of the City Council on Wednesday afternoon, March 29.

Espino, chairperson of the City Council committee on laws and ordinances, said the national government, through the DICT, is undertaking the Free Wi-Fi Internet Access on Public Places Project across the Philippines to accelerate economic, social, and educational opportunities and in reducing the Digital Divide under the e-Filipino Program of the Government.

He said it is the duty of the state to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education available to all, as well as encourage local planning in the development of educational policies and programs.

In this digital age, he added, the basic online access would make a significant impact and difference on the school lives of the students and teachers.

Espino disclosed that Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, provides free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals, and public libraries.*