The program, rolled out in partnership with GCash, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), targets Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) under the national campaign to close the digital divide.
At the ceremonial launch, 500 students, teachers, and parents received Globe-powered TM SIM cards preloaded with 25GB of monthly open-access data. Globe personnel assisted beneficiaries on-site with registration and configuration of the SIMs. An additional 5GB was awarded upon activation, and users can unlock 15GB more by loading ₱150 monthly for three months, encouraging consistent digital use.
The initiative is anchored on Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, and is aimed at fostering digital inclusion—providing access to education, livelihood, and essential public services through connectivity.
“Guided by the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that no Filipino is left offline, this initiative goes beyond simply distributing SIM cards,” said DICT chief Henry Aguda.
“It is a bold step toward closing the digital divide for millions of our countrymen. Through our partnership with Globe, we are ensuring that even the most underserved communities are included in the country’s digital future,” Aguda said.
The Bayanihan SIM project is designed to make an immediate difference. Students will be able to stream DepEd TV, use Khan Academy, and connect with classmates on Facebook Messenger.
Teachers can now manage digital classrooms and attend training on Zoom, while parents gain access to livelihood resources through GCash and platforms like the ThisisKwela Facebook group.
For the first time, the government is also providing infrastructure subsidies to telcos to strengthen signal access in remote regions. Industry-wide, the program is expected to deliver one million SIMs with 25GB monthly data, and facilitate the construction of new towers and the enhancement of network performance in GIDAs.
“Globe is proud to lead the industry in this milestone program in partnership with the government,” said Globe resident and CEO Carl Cruz.
“We believe that access to connectivity should not depend on geography. Through our infrastructure, our platform, and strong collaboration with the public sector, we are enabling opportunities where it’s needed most and turning digital inclusion from vision to reality.”
With an estimated 333,000 beneficiaries nationwide, the Bayanihan SIM initiative signals a unified public-private effort to ensure no Filipino is left behind in the digital era. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
