The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has activated 32 free Wi-Fi hotspots across 11 locations in Oriental Mindoro which will expand internet access in underserved communities.

The announcement came during the Regional ICT Summit last Friday at Balai Mindoro in Calapan City, where DICT MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou Delfin discussed the government’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” program.

The Regional ICT Summit brought together government officials, educators and community stakeholders to discuss inclusive digital infrastructure as the Philippines accelerates its digital transformation goals.

The program targets areas with limited internet infrastructure, addressing connectivity gaps that have hindered educational and economic opportunities in rural communities.

Oriental Mindoro currently has a 61.7% household internet access rate, above the regional MIMAROPA average of 52.1% but below the national rate of 56.1%.

Delfin also announced plans to activate 40 additional hotspots across MIMAROPA region in coming months, with 10 locations each planned for Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan provinces.

One newly connected site is at Aurelio Arago Memorial National High School in Victoria town.

The school connection resolves a critical need in rural education, where students often lack home internet access for online learning resources and digital literacy development.

Free Wifi connectivity supports economic opportunities through small businesses, online commerce and digital financial services, while facilitating access to online government platforms and digital transactions, the DICT said.

Free public Wi-Fi programs have proven particularly effective in rural and underserved areas where private internet service costs remain prohibitive for many households, the agency added.

The Philippines has achieved steady progress in internet penetration, reaching 83.8% nationwide as of early 2025, with approximately 97.5 million internet users.

However, regional disparities persist, particularly in island provinces like those in MIMAROPA.

In Oriental Mindoro, mobile broadband dominates internet access, used by over 82% of connected households.

Fixed broadband infrastructure remains limited, with only 10.9% of households using wired connections.