Nueva Vizcaya pushes better, faster WiFi

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Pushing for digital transformation as well as bridging the digital divide, Gov. Jose Gambito is bent on boosting internet connectivity in all 275 barangay (villages), particularly in the upland areas, for a faster flow of information, programs and services for Novo Vizcayanos.
    Gov. Jose Gambito said the "Wi-Fi sa Barangay" project is one of his development agenda in order to increase public internet access in all the villages of the province, many are located in the agriculture-rich mountain areas.
    "Our partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will pave the way for the realization of our Wi-Fi sa Barangay project," he said.
    Earlier, Gambito conferred with DICT Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) Director Pinky Jimenez and the DICT Nueva Vizcaya Officer In Charge Provincial Director Johanna Tulayan for this development agenda for the province.
    The governor said the DICT delegation during their recent visit to the provincial capitol here presented some of the programs and projects that the provincial government may avail from the said department.
    "We already have our ICT facilities and infrastructure in the provincial government to start with but we need upgrading that will further strengthen internet connection," Gambito said.
    He said the provincial government is hopeful that their initial meeting with the DICT officials will pave the way for the realization of full digitalization of the province.
    "We believe that through the support of the national government and the relentless efforts of the provincial government to bring vital services to the barangay level, Nueva Vizcaya is geared to a new age of progress," Gambito added.
    The governor also assured Jimenez of the provincial government's support for all DICT programs and will work hand in hand with the department in uplifting the ICT conditions in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.
    "It will be a momentous occasion for our beloved province to mark a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more connected and digitally empowered community," Gambito said.
    As the province of Nueva Vizcaya is also tagged as the agricultural trading center in Region 2 and Northern Luzon, the governor said with the provincial government's Wi-Fi project, "digitalization of transactions, trade and communications in and out of the area will be strengthened."
    Gambito said benefits of the project will extend far beyond the convenience of free Wi-Fi access.
"We will strengthen online payments and connect customers with suppliers more easily and there will be no need to even come physically transact with public or private establishments or simply purchase goods or items," he said.
    The way people live, work and communicate was radically changed by the pandemic and gave importance to virtual connectivity and access to information, "but this is not only about connectivity but also a fundamental human right," Gambito said, being a lawyer by profession.
    "With our Wi-Fi sa Barangay project, we are taking a bold step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all members of our community have access to the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century," Gambito said.