First off-grid free WiFi e-community in PH launched in Valencia, NegOr

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

NEGROS ORIENTAL—The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and the local government of Valencia, Negros Oriental launched the first off-grid free WiFi e-community in the country at Barangay Puhagan, Valencia town in an on-site and zoom switched on event on October 6.

EDC Corporate Social Responsibility head, Atty. Allan Barcena said that the switch-on ceremony for the country’s first off-grid e-community was symbolic of the new normal way of holding meetings, gatherings, and even connecting with family and friends since the COVID-19 pandemic started last year. 

“Little did we know that a good internet connection will become essential for people to cope with their daily lives as students, employees, even as priests and other religious people, for companies to actually do business, and most of all, for all of us to emotionally connect with our loved ones both near and far,” Barcena, in his message during the virtual event.

According to EDC, through this e-community project Barangay Puhagan now has a free WiFi facility in its barangay hall.  DICT provided the procurement of the fixed wireless broadband network with a 40mbps bandwidth while Valencia LGU with Mayor Edgar Teves provided logistical and regulatory support.

NOCCI on the other hand provided fixed wireless solar technology and a redundant broadband network design to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for the residents of Barangay Puhagan.  EDC provided cash donation for the cost of labor and the purchase of necessary materials and equipment.

Barcena revealed that this initiative is part of EDC’s mission to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future--which is essentially about creating exponential positive impact by elevating the environment and stakeholders.

According to EDC this pilot project with partners DICT, NOCCI and Valencia LGU will soon be duplicated in EDC’s other partner barangays in the municipality to establish similar e-communities. 

“This DICT program aims to improve internet access for all Filipinos for them to join our digital economy wherever they are in the country,” DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan said in his recorded message for the event. 

The e-community project is a virtual platform for the residents to learn and exchange best practices in governance, health and safety especially during this pandemic, and environmental protection will eventually be put up for them, EDC said.

Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo thanked EDC and its partners for the continued efforts in bringing this project to Barangay Puhagan. Having a strong and stable internet connection is very important especially during this pandemic for us to always be aware of the latest information to address COVID-19,” the governor added.

Barangay Puhagan chair Leonarda Sarita accepted the project and looked forward to more fruitful and mutually beneficial engagements with EDC and all partners who worked behind this project. “Thank you very much! We didn’t expect that this free WiFi program would reach our barangay,” she added.

NOCCI president and Central Visayas regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Edward Du lauded this strong synergy that should serve as a model and showcase for all LGUs in the country especially during these trying times.

“This is the first in the country and hopefully this will be a model project nationwide for isolated areas like Puhagan. In fact, there are students right now at the Barangay Gym who are connecting to the free WiFi for their classes and there are residents who are working from home,” Du noted during the switch-on event.

Barangay Puhagan is one of EDC’s three partner barangays in Valencia town including Barangays Caidiocan and Malaunay which are remote and mountainous areas of the town.

For almost 40 years now, EDC has been providing an uninterrupted source of clean 24/7 energy to Negros Island and other parts of the Luzon and Visayas regions from its 222.5MW geothermal facility in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

 EDC’s over 1,480MW total installed capacity accounts for 20 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity. 

Its almost 1,200MW geothermal portfolio comprises 62 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity and has put the Philippines on the map as the 3rd largest geothermal producer in the world. (Photos: EDC)