English: The DICT estimates that P5 billion is needed to roll out the first phase of its planned free wi-fi rollout, which will also target public schools and 300 barangays in GIDAs. The budgetary requirement, however, is not reflected in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which was already submitted to Congress before negotiations started. Gatchalian assured DICT that he would support the agency in its proposal but sought more details, including timelines and targets.
Filipino: Tinataya ng DICT na P5 bilyon ang kakailanganin upang maipatupad ang unang yugto ng kanilang planong libreng wi-fi, na sasaklaw rin sa mga pampublikong paaralan at 300 na barangay sa GIDAs. Ang budgetary requirement na ito, gayunpaman, ay hindi nakapaloob sa National Expenditure Program (NEP) na naisumite na sa Kongreso bago pa magsimula ang mga negosasyon. Tiniyak ni Gatchalian sa DICT na susuportahan niya ang proposal ng ahensya ngunit humiling ng karagdagang detalye, kabilang na ang mga timeline at target.