The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has started deploying 100 Starlink satellite Internet units donated by SpaceX across the province of Masbate to restore communication lines and strengthen disaster response efforts in the wake of Typhoon Opong.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Masbate Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), is part of an ongoing international effort to provide resilient connectivity in disaster-affected and remote areas.
Installation began on October 15 following the directive of DICT secretary Henry Aguda to ensure that high-speed Internet access reaches even the most isolated communities.
According to the DICT, the project reflects the agency’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) through modern, resilient technology.
The Masbate PDRRMO identified 100 key locations across the province for the installation of Starlink units, including barangay halls, health centers, government offices, and emergency response stations critical for disaster coordination and public service delivery.
As of October 24, 48 units have already been installed and activated, providing high-speed, low-latency Internet to enable real-time communication among responders and local government units.
