Budget for free internet program tripled to P7.5 B

The government's flagship program on free internet has gained a major boost, as its funding was tripled to a record budget this year to cover more Filipinos in far-flung towns.

- ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been allocated P7.5 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to sustain the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).

This marked the first time the FPIAP was allotted that much of an amount, as it used to pick up just P2.5 billion every year.

The FPIAP provides free WiFi access in public spaces like government offices and schools. The program seeks to narrow the digital gap across the archipelago, making sure that even areas with limited infrastructure have internet availability.