Davao City, Philippines – The Davao City Government has unveiled plans to build the Davao City Public Internet Center at People’s Park, aiming to provide accessible internet and computer services to the public. This initiative is currently being reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Information Technology, which is responsible for the necessary legislation to allocate funds.
Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, Chair of the SP ICT Committee, shared details of the proposed center during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum on Tuesday. “The design was completed and has already been approved by the mayor,” Militar said. He added that a cost estimate for the project is underway, coordinated with the City Engineer’s Office to finalize the budgetary requirements.
Due to a recommendation from the Parks Board, which emphasized the importance of preserving the park’s green space, the facility is designed to be a two-story structure. According to Militar, the second floor will accommodate 60 computer units, while the ground floor will feature six units specifically designed for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“The center extends the internet services offered by the Davao City Library and Information Center,” Militar explained. “There are many people who need access to computers for research or assignments but cannot afford it,” he said, highlighting the center’s potential benefits for students and residents without personal internet access.
The facility will also feature a robust WiFi connection, accessible to park-goers within the immediate vicinity. Residents from outside the city center will be able to reserve computer units in advance to ensure equal access.
Militar noted that the project is still in the committee hearing phase, but with the mayor’s approval, they are hopeful the budget for construction can be incorporated into next year’s annual budget. “We are doing our best to push this forward,” he stated, emphasizing the project’s significance in improving digital accessibility for the people of Davao City.
This public internet center is set to be a transformative resource for Davao residents, enhancing digital inclusivity and making technology more accessible to those in need.
