Sanghay National High School in Mati, Davao Oriental, is one of 180 GIDA sites now connected to the internet under the DICT’s Bayanihan SIM Project, expanding digital access to remote communities.
Globe has completed the activation of all 180 connectivity sites awarded to the company under the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Bayanihan SIM Project, expanding mobile connectivity to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) across the Philippines.
Globe technical teams worked around the clock, overcoming power outages and challenging conditions to deploy internet infrastructure in remote schools.
The milestone was achieved on June 30 with the activation of the final 52 GIDA sites, including 43 locations deployed within just two months, complementing 128 previously completed sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda speaks at the Globe x Starlink event, where Globe highlighted its commitment to expanding satellite-powered connectivity so that no Filipino is left behind, particularly in remote areas.
The Bayanihan SIM Project, implemented through the JuanSIM ng Bayan Program, aims to bridge the country’s digital divide by providing reliable mobile connectivity to underserved communities, enabling access to online education, digital government services, livelihood opportunities, and communication.
The newly activated sites will also support the distribution of Bayanihan SIM cards, each providing beneficiaries with 25 GB of mobile data every month. From January to June 2026, Globe has distributed more than 355,400 SIM cards and is working toward its target of deploying over 500,400 Bayanihan SIMs under the government’s ₱1.5-billion initiative.
Deploying connectivity equipment to remote sites involves hours of hiking and boat travel, highlighting the logistical challenges of expanding digital infrastructure in underserved communities.
Deploying network infrastructure in remote areas required extensive coordination between Globe, the DICT, local communities, and project partners. Many installation sites were located in remote schools that required long land and sea travel, as well as hours of hiking to transport telecommunications equipment and construction materials.
Despite challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited infrastructure, Globe completed all assigned sites within the project’s timeline, reinforcing its commitment to expanding digital access nationwide.
The completion of the 180 sites supports the government’s broader digital transformation agenda by bringing reliable connectivity and digital services to more underserved communities across the country.
