ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) formally marked a significant milestone in digital inclusion efforts through the ceremonial turnover of SIM cards held yesterday (March 31) at the DSWD Operations Center.

The activity signals the official rollout of the Bayanihan SIM Program in Region IX, a collaborative initiative between the two agencies aimed at expanding internet access among underserved communities, particularly monitored students under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Leading the ceremony were DSWD Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin and DICT Regional Director Cheryl C. Ortega, who both underscored the importance of connectivity in advancing education and social development in the region.

“There is a complementation of both the objectives of the DICT and that of the DSWD and we are hopeful that this will really be a good tool as part of their educational requirements on how they can better and, more engagingly, put their study more effectively with vital access to relevant content on education,” Director Ortega said.

In his acceptance message, Regional Director Hadjimuddin thanked the DICT for the initiative and emphasized the advancement this gives for learning, not just for the children but for the parents as well.

“This sim card can be used as well to upload [have access to] our Family Development Session modules. This is truly helpful especially that we have many children in GIDA [Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area],” Director Hadjimuddin added.

Also present from DICT were Jacob F. Mohammad, Chief of Technical Operations; Geoden B. Jalandoni, Engineer III; and Cheizer S. Yniego, ISR III. Representing DSWD were Flordeliza A. Atuy, 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator; Renato Fojas, Chief Administrative Officer; Al-Jazzer Usad, Legal Officer; along with other personnel from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Bayanihan SIM Program is a strategic initiative of DICT designed to bridge the digital divide by distributing free SIM cards with subsidized data packages. It primarily benefits students and learners who face challenges in accessing reliable internet connectivity, enabling them to fully participate in digital learning environments. Each recipient will be provided with 25gb internet connectivity monthly to cope up with the modern methods of learning.

In Region IX alone, 6,142 children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are expected to benefit from the initiative. Through improved access to online platforms, educational materials, and communication tools, the program aims to support their academic growth and overall development.

Aligned with DICT’s “No Filipino Left Offline” campaign, the program reinforces the government’s commitment to digital inclusion by ensuring equitable access to information and communication technologies across both urban and rural communities.

Following the turnover, the DSWD-4Ps will continue to monitor the distribution process and facilitate the activation of the SIM cards starting April to ensure that beneficiaries can immediately maximize the program’s benefits.

The ceremonial turnover marks the readiness of the Bayanihan SIM Program for full implementation in Region IX, reinforcing a shared vision of building a more inclusive, connected, and digitally empowered Philippines.