The city government of Davao has officially rolled out high-speed satellite internet kits to eight geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), marking a major milestone in the city’s mission to achieve 100% connectivity across its 182 barangays.
“Ang goal man gud ni mayor is dapat tanan mga barangay naa sila’y access sa internet, naa’y connectivity, at the same time maka-access ang mga barangay in the remote areas sa mga services sa city,” said Nepthaly Talavera, Head of the City Information Technology Center (CITC).
The initiative, spearheaded by the City Mayor’s Office (CMO), aims to provide essential digital access to remote communities currently beyond the reach of traditional internet service providers.
According to CMO, the deployment was a direct response to on-the-ground observations by Mayor Sebastian “Naste” Duterte during his visits to the city’s hinterlands, where he noted the lack of reliable communication channels.
Harvey James Lanticse, Acting Head of the City Information Office (CIO), noted that the project is designed to do more than just connect residents to the web.
“Mayor Baste gave a directive to identify these barangays and procure high-speed satellite internet for them to not only ensure connectivity but also ensure accessibility to government services and better communications,” Lanticse said.
The eight beneficiary barangays of thec include Lamanan, Dalag, Gumitan, Magsaysay, Salaysay, New Valencia, Bayabas, and Eden.
Julieto Sayad, secretary and resident of Barangay Gumitan, the arrival of satellite internet is a significant relief.
“Dakong tabang ni siya sa katawhan para mapaabot namo sa gobyerno ang amoang mga mulo ug isa pud sa communication. Maayo ni siya nga project para sa amoa tungod kay beneficial siya sa amoang end,” Sayad said.
The city government emphasized that the project is critical for improving emergency response, disaster coordination, and educational resources for students living in these isolated areas.
The CITC vowed to continue its efforts to monitor all remaining barangays, ensuring that no community is left behind as the city moves toward a fully connected digital future.
