CHED, DICT Partner to Expand Digital Access in PH HE

• DICT and CHED sign MOA to digitize higher education across the Philippines.
• Programs include fiber internet for universities and free data SIMs for students.
• The initiative aims to close the digital divide and strengthen online education access.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to transform higher education through digitization throughout the Philippines.

The collaboration encompasses two main projects: the Konektadong CHED: Fiber Connectivity Acceleration Program, designed to enhance internet access in state colleges and universities, and the Bayanihan SIM for higher education students, which offers mobile access to learning platforms and digital academic resources.

The event was led by CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis and DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda. Aguda referred to the agreements as a significant step toward closing the digital divide in higher education.

“All state colleges and universities will be connected with at least one-gigabit fiber before the end of President [Ferdinand] Marcos Jr.’s term,” he said.  “This will be done in partnership with telecommunications companies.” 

Through the Bayanihan SIM initiative, students will obtain complimentary SIM cards that offer 25 gigabytes of data each month to facilitate mobile access to online educational materials. Agrupis emphasized that the agreements will enhance digital infrastructure and guarantee online programs achieve their maximum potential.

“Without strong internet connectivity, these programs cannot achieve their goals,” she said.  “Our collaboration with DICT is essential to digitalizing higher education.” 

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The Konektadong CHED initiative creates a structured network for institutional links, harmonizing with national broadband, digital governance, and cybersecurity plans.

It also fosters policy discussions, skills development, and cooperation on fiber installation and sustainable digital infrastructure. In the meantime, the Bayanihan SIM initiative offers a short-term remedy to assist students in accessing online learning platforms and educational materials, facilitating continuous education during the digital shift.