The Department of Information and Communications Technology in Davao Region (DICT-Davao) is launching a pioneering program to provide free SIM cards with mobile data to students in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). This initiative, known as the Bayanihan SIM Project, aims to tackle the critical lack of internet connectivity that hinders education in remote public schools.
Pilot Project Details and Distribution
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum on Monday, January 5, 2026, Engr. Eduardo Tuquib, officer-in-charge of DICT-Davao's Technical Operations Division, outlined the project. He confirmed that each beneficiary student will receive a SIM card pre-loaded with 25 gigabytes of data every month for a full year. The data allowance will renew automatically at the start of each month.
The initial pilot phase will see the distribution of 2,780 SIM cards. The first batch is scheduled for distribution on January 20, 2026, to students across 21 identified unserved and underserved schools in the region. The remaining SIM cards will be allocated to qualified beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The schools were identified in close coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd). The list includes institutions from all provinces in the Davao Region:
- Davao de Oro: Awao Elementary School, Napnapan National High School, Kilagding National High School, Talian Elementary School, Prosperidad Elementary School, Boringot Elementary School, Panamin Elementary School, Barubo Elementary School, Andili National High School, Camanlangan Elementary School.
- Davao del Sur: Malupo Elementary School.
- Davao del Norte: San Isidro, Barobo, and Sagayen Elementary Schools.
- Davao Oriental: L. Tamay and Maragatas Elementary Schools.
- Davao Occidental: William Joyce Sr. Elementary School, Don Marcelino National High School, Harden Joyce Integrated School, Calian Elementary School, Julian M. Turado Elementary School.
Partnerships and Long-Term Vision
Major telecommunications providers Smart and Globe are partnering with DICT to deliver the mobile services. As part of the project, the telcos have committed to improving signal quality in underserved locations and building new network facilities in areas currently without any coverage. Following the distribution, DICT-Davao will actively monitor user feedback to help the service providers enhance their offerings.
Engr. Tuquib clarified that the pilot program is currently set for a 12-month period. While no formal decision has been made regarding an extension, he expressed hope that a positive assessment would lead to the project's continuation. For students who do not own a mobile device, Tuquib noted that they can access the internet through DICT centers, which are equipped with communal devices and connectivity.
Bridging the Digital Divide Nationwide
The Bayanihan SIM Project is a key component of the DICT's broader Digital Bayanihan vision, a national strategy fostering collaboration between government, industry, and citizens to achieve digital inclusion. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda emphasized that the project represents a shift from talk to concrete action in bridging the digital divide.
"This project demonstrates that innovation in government doesn't always require more spending, but rather smarter spending," Aguda stated. He described the initiative as a prime example of Digital Bayanihan, where "government and industry move together to connect every Filipino." On a national scale, the ambitious project targets reaching 697,780 recipients through a combination of free SIM cards, Wi-Fi hotspots, and affordable connectivity solutions in far-flung communities across the Philippines.
