Eight geographically isolated barangays in Davao City are now connected to the internet after Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte led the rollout of satellite internet kits, expanding access in communities long cut off from reliable connectivity.
The turnover was conducted on April 8 through the City Mayor’s Office, focusing on areas with little to no telecommunications infrastructure. The initiative supports the city’s target of connecting all 182 barangays and improving access to government services.
City Information Technology Center head Nephtaly Talavera said the project ensures remote communities can now access digital services and communicate more efficiently with the city government. He said the goal is to make connectivity standard across all barangays, regardless of location.
Acting City Information Office head Harvey James Lanticse said Mayor Duterte ordered the identification of underserved barangays after site visits revealed gaps in internet access. He said the mayor pushed for the procurement of high speed satellite internet to address these gaps and improve service delivery.
The beneficiaries include Barangay Lamanan, Dalag, Gumitan, Magsaysay, Salaysay, New Valencia, Bayabas, and Eden, all classified as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Officials said the rollout is expected to strengthen disaster response coordination, improve communication systems, and support education by giving students access to online resources.
Residents welcomed the development, saying it helps bridge long standing communication gaps and allows them to directly reach government services. The city government said monitoring efforts will continue as it works toward full connectivity across all barangays.
