01/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฌ
As the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) marks its 10th anniversary and celebrates National ICT Month 2026 with the theme, "Isang Dekadang Digital: Konektado sa Puso at Serbisyo," DICT Regional Office V reaffirmed its commitment to making technology more accessible and meaningful for communities across the Bicol Region.
The celebration officially kicked off today, June 1, 2026 through a motorcade, ceremonial mass, and the DICT Kapihan, a media forum that showcased the agency's accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming programs aimed at advancing digital transformation in the region.
More than presenting projects and accomplishments, the Kapihan underscored the importance of using technology to improve public services and expand opportunities for every Filipino.
During the forum, OIC Regional Director Christian Roy N. Melad emphasized that digital transformation goes beyond systems and infrastructure.
"The theme reminds us that the true goal of digital transformation is not only to provide systems and infrastructure. Ang goal natin ay ang paglapitin ang mga tao, maihatid ang malasakit, mapabuti ang kalidad ng serbisyo, at mabigyan ng mas maraming oportunidad ang bawat Pilipino," he said.
Among the key initiatives highlighted was the continued expansion of the Free Wi-Fi for All Program. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), DICT Region V has identified 3,264 locations with 9,846 Wi-Fi sites to strengthen internet access in schools and underserved communities.
Further announced was the rollout of the Bayanihan SIM Program in eight unserved primary schools. A total of 22,240 SIM cards, each with 25GB of free monthly data for one year, will be distributed to help learners, educators, and communities access online resources and digital services.
For the past decade, DICT has championed programs that promote digital inclusion, cybersecurity, innovation, and ICT capacity development.
These efforts continue to equip individuals, institutions, and local communities with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital society.
Guided by the spirit of digital bayanihan, DICT Region V remains committed to building a more connected, inclusive, and resilient Bicol where technology serves as a bridge to better opportunities and improved quality of life.