Expanded free public WiFi program gets P5 billion funding“We are counting on the program’s expansion to boost access to online learning, distance education and vital digital services, particularly in underserved and remote communities,” Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said. The lone Eastern Samar district congressman cited the 2026 General Appropriations Act, under which Congress allocated an additional P5 billion to support the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) in SUCs and public elementary and high schools nationwide. Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, mandates the nationwide installation of free internet access points in public spaces, including parks, libraries, barangay halls, elementary and secondary schools, SUCs, hospitals, airports, seaports and land transport terminals. “We will have universal feeding for all public schools in the Philippines for kindergarten and Grade 1, all for 180 days for the full school cycle – for the first time in Philippine history. The DepEd has partnered with international organization Open Ownership to pilot the use of beneficial ownership data in public procurement, a move aimed at boosting transparency and preventing corruption in education-related contracts.

Source: Philippine Star February 02, 2026 21:40 UTC