Public web access center in Davao City advances to second round of approvals
On May 6, 2025, Davao City Council green-lit the construction of its very first public internet center, tucked away within People's Park, at a total proposed budget of a cool P96 million.
Out of the monetary haul, a humongous P89 million will go straight to construction, while a more reasonable P7 million will set aside for snagging the necessary equipment.
The center, acting as an auxiliary extension of the City Library and Information Center, will nestle comfortably on a 746.38-square-meter piece of real estate and serve as a digital haven for the city's residents.
The choice of location was no mere stroke of luck; it came about following consultations with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the City Engineer's Office, and the Interim Office of the City Architect—all of whom hailed it as the prime spot for this endeavor.
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Equipped with high-speed internet connectivity, computer units galore, and a cadre of tech-savvy staff Hell-bent on helping users traverse the digital landscape, the city's newest hotspot aims to cater to the needs of the Dabawenyos by bridging the digital divide. The newcomer will allow for better access to education, employment, health, and government services. For those who prefer the warm embrace of their devices, public Wi-Fi will be available outside the center.
To gain access, individuals must first secure a City Library card for a modest annual fee of P100, which doubles as their digital door key.
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The project's architect, Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, anticipates the inevitable congestion in densely populated areas, resulting in the implementation of a reservation system specifically designed for remote communities. Patrons living in Davao City's outskirts will have the option to reserve slots ahead of time.
Piqued by its potential success, this pilot project may pave the way for the creation of additional internet hubs scattered across the city's districts. In addition, barangays could be encouraged to install community Wi-Fi zones, subject to budget availability.
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As soon as the necessary funds materialize, the project will spring forth, inching Davao City ever closer to achieving its goal of bolstering digital connectivity for its citizens. The ordinance must undergo one final reading during the upcoming city session before set sail.
Jessalou A. Silpa, UM Intern
Regarding public internet centers, there's a common trend to note:
- Location and Accessibility: Generally, these centers are stationed in community centers, libraries, or public spaces for easy accessibility.
- Costs: Most are set up to provide free or affordable internet access to cater to those with financial constraints.
- Digital Divide Impact: Public internet centers help bridge the digital divide by offering access to educational resources, economic opportunities, and bolstering community engagement.
For more specific updates on Davao City's first public internet center, we recommend digging through local news sources or checking official city announcements.
- The construction of Davao City's first public internet center, situated in People's Park, has been granted approval by the City Council, with an allocated budget of P96 million.
- Aiming to cater to the city's residents, the center will provide high-speed internet connectivity, computer units, and a tech-savvy staff to bridge the digital divide.
- To gain entry, individuals will need to acquire a City Library card for an annual fee of P100.
- The project, expected to bolster digital connectivity, will be designed to cater to residents, especially those in remote communities, by incorporating a reservation system.
- If successful, this pilot project may inspire the creation of additional internet hubs across the city's districts and community Wi-Fi zones in barangays, subject to budget availability.
- The project is anticipated to commence once the necessary funds have been secured, inching Davao City closer to its goal of improved digital connectivity for all citizens.
