For public, private schools City council reviews free wifi ordinance

CEBU, Philippines — The committee on laws, ordinances, and styling of the Cebu City Council is now reviewing the proposed ordinance establishing free wireless internet access in all public and private educational institutions, state colleges, and universities.

During the regular session last Tuesday, Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr. proposed the ordinance titled “Wireless Internet Access for Educational Institutions Ordinance in the City of Cebu.”

Rama drafted the ordinance after he saw the need to aid the students with free internet access which would help in their studies.

“Whereas, along with the nation’s educational reforms, schools must provide students with the necessary tools to level up its learning methods, towards this end, the City Government of Cebu shall institute measures to provide quality education that is accessible to all its students and is relevant to the needs of today’s generation,” portion of the proposed ordinance reads.

Under the proposed ordinance, there shall be an established wireless internet access program centers in all schools situated in the city.

As defined, established centers include classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, main lobbies, student lounges, faculty offices and administrative offices, and others.

Only enrolled students, faculty members, non-teaching personnel are entitled to avail of the free wireless internet access.

This legislative measure urges the schools to provide network for reliable wireless internet connection and access to students, faculty members and others which shall promote easy access of information and services relevant to education.

Rama also said it will improve the learning techniques through cost-efficient and productivity-enhancing methods with the use of wireless internet and modernize the delivery of information to students through the use and application of information and communication technology.

He added that it will upgrade the capabilities of the educational institution relevant to valuable educational materials and make the educational institutions technologically competitive and at par with other educational institutions across the globe.

Once this will be passed, the city government shall set aside funds for the implementation of this ordinance.

Under the procedure of endorsing an ordinance, concerned committees shall review and render report before deliberating the issue.

In the same manner, the committee on information and communication technology headed by Councilor David Tumulak is also studying the proposed ordinance in order to check whether or not it is feasible to the city. — GAN (FREEMAN)