Globe Telecom Inc. has partnered with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to deploy its KonekTayo WiFi service in more than 100 resettlement sites nationwide.
Through the partnership, Globe said it will be able to provide 40,000 housing beneficiaries with affordable prepaid Internet services, which they can purchase according to their need.
“We are grateful for this partnership with the NHA and will work with them to fulfill their core mission to promote decent, livable, and resilient homes for all Filipinos, through low-cost and reliable internet connectivity,” Globe President Ernest Cu said.
He said the KonekTayo service will benefit those who are working or studying from home.
Marcelino Escalada, Jr., General Manager of NHA, noted that the Internet has become, just like a home, a need rather than a privilege.
“We are grateful for this partnership with Globe that allows us to better serve our constituents by helping them with their digital needs. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with Globe,” he said.
KonekTayo WiFi is available in the following NHA communities: Disiplina Village I-Ugong, Disiplina Village II-Bignay, Valenzuela; Paradise Heights and Vitas LRB in Tondo, Manila; Malabon Homes in Malabon; Lanit River Plains in Iloilo; Greendale Residences, Guadalupe Heights, St. Francis Village and North Hill Arbours in Tacloban, Leyte; and Paraiso Heights in Sagay, Negros Occidental. And soon, KonekTayo WiFi will be available in other selected NHA communities nationwide.
Cu said Globe is also committing to conduct ambassadorship training for the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) for communities and implement the eWaste Zero Program in various NHA areas where KonekTayo is available.
The program aims to educate the youth on digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology through workshops and modules while eWaste Zero is a recovery and recycling program that teaches and ensures proper disposal of electronic wastes.
“With more affordable connectivity, NHA beneficiaries are now empowered to get equal access to information and the modern economy, equal opportunities for education, and equal chances for productivity and livelihood,” Cu said.
He noted that through this initiative, Globe is helping bridge the so-called digital divide, which is prevalent in the Philippines, according to the World Bank.