The Quezon City government and Globe Telecom Inc. have partnered for the provision of 176,000 data sim cards to be distributed to all junior and high school students in public schools.
Mayor Joy Belmonte granted a notice of award to Globe Telecom Inc. for the distribution of the data sim cards to be distributed by the Schools Division Office.
The cards would be loaded with 10GB data monthly to allow students to access learning materials online and to complement the 176,000 Samsung tablets that have been turned over to SDO.
Globe Telecom Inc. has added security features to prevent access to certain content and gaming websites, ensuring that the tablets would be used only for learning.
Belmonte has said the initiative gives the public school students access to modules and other learning materials under the blended system of learning of the Department of Education.
“As part of the city government’s learning continuity programs, it is crucial for us to ensure that all students have access to education, most importantly during this period of disruption,” she said.
Moreover, city government through Globe Labs, the telecom company’s innovative development arm, would establish 1,000 WiFi access points in key locations to provide free internet connection not only to public school students but also to the city residents.
“We are fortunate to have Globe as a partner because we share the same goal,” Belmonte said.
The residents could enjoy one hour of free internet connection every day through the access points.
As of Sept. 24, the city has tallied 432,629 enrollees in public elementary, special education, and junior and senior high schools to join the opening of classes on Oct. 5.
“We are glad to have exceeded our target enrollees despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic,” Belmonte said.
Despite the situation, she assured parents that students would still receive quality education through learning materials and other support programs.
