CONGRESS has earmarked additional P5 billion to expand the network of public Wi-Fi facilities enabling free access to the internet, according to assistant minority leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
“Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress allocated an additional ₱5 billion to support the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), with public elementary and high schools as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs) designated as priority sites,” Gonzales said in a statement.
The fresh funding supplements the P7.5 billion allotted for the FPIAP in 2025, according to Gonzales.
“We are counting on the program’s expansion to boost access to online learning, distance education, and vital digital services, particularly in underserved and remote communities,” he said.
Gonzales pointed out that the program will empower residents in isolated and far-flung to tap into critical online resources, from government skills-training platforms to employment services, key tools for securing sustainable jobs and livelihoods.
“Strengthening digital infrastructure in off-grid and hard-to-reach communities is essential to closing persistent development gaps and ensuring all Filipinos can participate in the digital economy,” Gonzales added.
Republic Act No. 10929, also known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, mandates the nationwide installation of free internet access points in public spaces, including parks, libraries, barangay halls, elementary and secondary schools, SUCs, hospitals, airports, seaports, and land transport terminals.
Funding for the FPIAP is sourced from Spectrum User Fees (SUFs) collected by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from private telecommunications companies.
The Philippines currently ranks 11th worldwide in total number of internet users, estimated at 97.5 million, according to global research platform DataReportal, the statement said.
