DICT Launches GovNet in Pagadian; Digital Boost for ZamboSur Healthcare

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

PAGADIAN CITY — Fifty government agencies and offices in this city will soon enjoy fast, reliable, and round-the-clock internet connectivity with the launch of the Government Network (GovNet) project spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

GovNet, powered by a high-speed fiber optic network using Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology, aims to interconnect national, provincial, and local government offices for more efficient and transparent public service delivery. The DICT targets project completion by December 2025, with work now underway on laying a 48-line drop cable to provide high-speed connectivity across the city.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, August 19, at the DICT Regional Office IX in Pagadian City. The event was led by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Divina Grace Yu, DICT IX BASULTA Regional Director Cheryl Ortega, and Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co, together with Board Member Bebie Vidad-Abrenica, national government agencies, and key stakeholders.

Governor Yu lauded the initiative, emphasizing that the project will strengthen digital governance and align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize government operations by ensuring secure and interconnected services.

Mayor Co, for his part, welcomed the project as a major boost for the city, stressing that digital transformation is essential for economic growth and better public service.

“Pagadian is moving forward, and this GovNet project will allow us to serve our people faster, more transparently, and more efficiently,” Co said.

In a related development, the DICT, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also boosted the province’s healthcare system with the turnover of 28 Android tablets for Rural Health Units (RHUs) and Barangay Health Centers.

Governor Yu and BM Vidad-Abrenica formally received the devices during a ceremonial turnover and signing of the Deed of Donation. The tablets will support disaster preparedness efforts and enhance healthcare delivery by enabling a digital patient referral system.

DICT officials stressed that the dual initiatives GovNet and digital healthcare integration reflect the agency’s broader mission to empower local governments through technology and innovation.

“These projects are not just about connectivity; they are about improving lives, bridging gaps, and ensuring that public service reaches the people faster and better,” Ortega said.

With the GovNet project set to connect at least 50 government offices by 2025 and healthcare centers gaining access to digital tools, Zamboanga del Sur is expected to take a significant leap forward in modernizing governance and strengthening public services.

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