KALIBO, Aklan, May 21 (PIA) -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be holding a Virtual Launching of its Free Wi-Fi For All program in Aklan on May 25, 2021.

The launching in Aklan will be the fourth in a series of launchings in Western Visayas, which started on May 20 in the province of Negros Occidental, May 21 in Guimaras; and on May 24, in Antique; May 26 in Capiz, May 27 in Iloilo, and May 28 in Pototan, Iloilo.

The Free Wi-Fi for All Program, according to DICT Western Visayas OIC Regional Director Mario P. Cunado, is one of the flagship programs of the DICT with the aim of providing free Wi-Fi internet access in public places nationwide.

The launching is in appreciation of the milestones in the successful provision of free Internet connectivity in Region 6 through the program, Cunado added.

According to Amelita Mationg, DICT-Aklan Provincial Officer, there are already 26 live sites in the province of Aklan and the number continues to grow as the program sustains the rollout.

She said target places are plazas, hospitals, schools, airports, seaports, and many others.

She revealed that in Aklan, these are some of the DICT's beneficiaries: Altavas District Hospital, Aklan State University (ASU) Banga, Ibajay, Makato, Kalibo and New Washington campuses, Ibajay District Hospital, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, Provincial Capitol of Aklan, Libacao Municipal Infirmary, Libacao College of Science and Technology, Don Leovigildo N. Diapo Municipal Hospital (Madalag, Aklan); Dr. Ramon B. Legaspi Sr. Memorial Hospital (Makato, Aklan); Ciriaco Tirol Hospital (Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan); Malay Municipal Hospital; Isolation Facility in Barangay Aranas, Balete, Aklan; Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Batan; and Ligtas COVID Center in Makato.

Mationg added each location has a minimum of 4 acess points and has 10 Mbps Committed Information Rate (CIR).

The Free Wi-Fi Fo All sites were activated and have been serving the clients, officials and personnel of the sites since January of this year.

Expected attendees in the launching are DICT Sec. Gregorio Honasan and staff, Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and staff, DICT WV Regional Office, hospital directors and site coordinators, and ASU President Dr. Emily Arangote and Campus Directors. (JSC/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)