LEGAZPI CITY – Nearly 42,000 learners, teachers, and parents across the Bicol Region have begun receiving free SIM cards from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) under the Bayanihan SIM program, aimed at providing Internet access to support learning.

At the launch in Manawan Elementary School, Camalig, Albay, more than 2,000 students, teachers, and parents received SIM cards loaded with 25GB of data for one month.

DICT Assistant Secretary and Regional Director June Vincent Manuel Gaudan said the initiative forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship program on digitalization.

“This is a presidential instruction, meaning that the instruction really came from the President. Each SIM provides 25GB of Internet connectivity per month for one year.  With this, our children now have free Internet access,” he said.

Gaudan cited the importance of responsible use, reminding students to prioritize study over entertainment.

“Our SIM cards block pornographic and unauthorized sites. This ensures safe access for learners,” he added.

The program also strengthens digital inclusion by connecting remote areas to the global network and complements ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as the construction and optimization of cell towers.

Victor Villafranca, a farmer from Barangay Manawan, expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying it would help his grandchild with learning modules, communication, and access to information.