The Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has confirmed that pornography and online gambling websites are blocked on all connections provided through its expanding free public Wi-Fi program, as the government seeks to promote safer internet access for students and remote communities.
Speaking during the launch of new connectivity projects in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines, DICT officials said the restrictions are part of broader safeguards built into the country’s publicly funded internet infrastructure, particularly at schools and educational facilities.
DICT Assistant Secretary June Vincent Manuel-Gaudan said the agency uses filtering technologies to prevent users from accessing “pornographic and gambling sites” through government-provided Wi-Fi services. The initiative forms part of the Philippines’ nationwide Free Wi-Fi for All program, which aims to expand internet access to underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
Officials stressed that the program is not solely focused on connectivity, but also on responsible internet use and cybersecurity awareness. DICT said it is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) to encourage digital literacy and responsible online behavior among students, while also providing cybersecurity training for teachers, parents and local communities.
Regional Director Cheryl Ortega said the agency provides “complementary content, applications and orientation on the proper use” of internet services alongside infrastructure deployment. The department acknowledged that some users may still attempt to bypass restrictions through tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), but said it continues to strengthen monitoring and filtering systems.
DICT also disclosed that its Cybersecurity Bureau blocks thousands of cyberattack attempts each day and assists other government agencies with data protection and online security measures. The latest rollout saw the launch of 324 free Wi-Fi hotspots across 108 schools in Zamboanga del Sur, many of them located in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
The Philippines has in recent years taken a more active approach to regulating online content and digital services, including tighter scrutiny of illegal online gambling operations and cybercrime activities.
