Island IP community benefitted by connectivity

Palaui Island, located off the northeastern coast of Sta. Ana, Cagayan, Luzon, Philippines is home to the Agta community; they rely primarily on fishing and subsistence farming. 

Due to its isolation, access to basic services in the area remains limited - until free Internet access for young learners was set up in their community center.

According to unconnected.org partner Kingred Network, “...the installation aims to bridge the digital divide in the area and enhance access to education and communication.”

In addition, affordable internet access is made available to the community and to visitors, aimed at sustaining connectivity for students, healthcare workers and disaster responders.

Along with connectivity, the community was provided essential services and supplies aimed at improving health, nutrition, and education among the indigenous residents.

Establishment of the community network was undertaken with support from the Internet Society Foundation, and the complementary activities were spearheaded by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), through its flagship Compassion Project, part of a broader commitment to reach underserved communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) committed to conducting digital literacy programs and online safety for the island inhabitants. 

According to the organizers, similar activities are being planned for other remote locations in the region.