DepEd, internet firms discuss free Wi-Fi connection in schools

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently in talks with several internet service providers including Starlink, PLDT, Converge and Globe for the Wi-Fi coverage of all public schools as part of the agency’s move to digitize the country’s education system.

Provision of speedy Wi-Fi facility in all public schools nationwide is among the key components of the “DepEd Digital Education 2028” or DepEd Digi-Ed program, according to Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte in her speech at the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo yesterday.

At least 2,000 schools were already provided or are currently being provided with satellites for Wi-Fi internet connectivity while 25 schools have been initially chosen for the “proof of concept” of Starlink, a company owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, Duterte said.

Duterte said DepEd is already in talks with several publishers for the production of digital textbooks as early as 2024.

To complement the digitalization of learning resources, Duterte said that DepEd is also currently developing an online platform dubbed as the “MATATAG Portal” wherein learners will have “instant access to their lessons, resources, modules, activity sheets and assessments with a unique log-in key.”

To reach more students in remote areas, Duterte said the DepEd is also currently procuring computer-labs-on-wheels also called “Digi-Ed Learning Carts.”

Duterte said each laboratory-on-wheels shall have 46 laptops, hard drives, a charging cart and a smart TV.

In terms of school infrastructures, Duterte said the DepEd “is looking at obtaining financing from the World Bank through the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools project which will cover the repair and rehabilitation of disaster-affected schools."