Affirming the commitment of both agencies to accelerate the rollout of reliable, high-speed internet connectivity to students nationwide.
At the recent Parnuay: 3rd Creativity in Philippine Higher Education Summit in Ilocos Norte last December 17, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
These concern the Konektadong CHED and Bayanihan SIM for Higher Education students programs, which aim to deliver stable internet connection to SUCs nationwide through fiberization of lines and provision of SIM cards and mobile data to learners, particularly in geographically isolated and underserved areas.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said, “Digitalization is no longer just an option—it is essential for preparing our learners and institutions for the demands of the 21st century.“
“Through initiatives like Konektadong CHED and Bayanihang SIM for Higher Education students, we are expanding access to digital learning tools and connectivity so every Filipino learner and educator can thrive in a modern, globally competitive higher education system,” she added.
Secretary Aguda further affirmed their commitment and told, “Hindi lang po ito para sa grades at diploma. Ito ay para sa skills, ideas, at opportunities na dadalhin ng kabataan sa totoong mundo.”
He also pointed out the programs’ importance during calamities, “Dahil pag may connectivity, sa panahon ng bagyo at sakuna, mayroon tayong lifeline, sa panahon ng pag-aaral meron tayong online education, at sa panahon ng pandemya meron tayong online health.“