THE welcome announcement last week was on improved Internet access soon to be available for free in public places like parks and transport terminals.
President Rodrigo Duterte said in his State of the Nation Address that government officers and citizens can use computers and the Internet to make the bureaucracy work better. He said a National Broadband Plan will accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve Internet speed.
PLDT and Smart started improving Internet coverage in key transport terminals to northern and southern Mindanao last week, with more areas targeted, such as city hall buildings, schools, hospitals and malls. Globe Telecom has committed to providing fast Internet connection in two million households in over 20,000 barangays by year 2020. The two telecommunications companies will activate by August the 911 and 8888 hotlines for easy reporting of emergencies and citizen complaints.
New elected local officials, too, are taking on the Internet card by including the call for speedy Internet in their advocacies. The Internet of things is becoming applicable even in areas far from the metropolis because there can be plenty to be done with connectivity.
The over 50 million Filipinos with Internet access would welcome faster access and those not yet connected can have the chance to reach out to family members overseas and make use of information available on websites and social media.
Duterte, in his address, ordered the Cabinet to put an end to long lines of people wanting to transact with government, by using computers.
“Make use of the computer. I do not want to see people lining up under the heat of the sun. I do not want people lining up under the rain,” he said after encouraging more digital transactions. If they don’t use computers, they might as well throw them away.
Those in government know that the call for better Internet will be popular with the masses. They must recognize then that Internet access is not just a privilege anymore but a human right to be able to access, communicate and transact online, and to have an identity.
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The Philippine Association of Retired Persons (Parp) will hold a general membership meeting today, Sunday, at the Patio Isabel in Banilad to gather senior citizens advocating for the recognition of their rights.
The Parp is an organization created in 1999 to, according to its vision, “Assist retirees and senior citizens enjoy the benefits of their retirement and senior years granted by law, and act as guardian of their interests and welfare.”
Cebu leaders include president Fruto Teodorico Jr., vice president Vicente Roble Jr., treasurer Judy Ong, assistant treasurer Amelita Maravillas, secretary Amelita Madamba, assistant secretary Marietta de Egurrola, press relations officer Evangeline de Paula, and liaison officer Augustine Vestil, and directors George Aldeguer, Mario Villa, Lucilo Doblados, Danilo Pacaña, Ben Yapjoco and Roberto Cabaero.
They are encouraging those interested to join the meeting.
With Parp, there is something to look forward to in the uplifting of the plight of senior citizens in the country.
(ninicab@sunstar.com.ph)