Free internet in plazas, key areas in Iloilo City

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

IF PLANS push through, Ilonggos and tourists will soon enjoy free internet in all public plazas and other key areas in Iloilo City.

Mayor Jerry Treñas announced during the regular flag ceremony on Monday that one telecommunication company has signified its intent to partner with the city government for the provision of free Wi-Fi access in selected areas of the city.

According to Treñas, the city government and Smart Communications Inc. are set to formally ink a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for free Wi-FI access at City Hall, Esplanade area, bike lanes in the Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao district, and public plazas in the metro.

“Ang internet ta excited gid ako and ang MOA ara na sa level sang City Council. I hope mapasar na ina sa council ta,” he said.

Aside from free internet access, Treñas said the company also committed to provide applications for booking hotel accommodations and easy payment on selected financial transactions

“Kun may ara mabayad sang real property tax, sa cellphone ko na lang mabayad, kun gusto mo makadto sa hotels sa Iloilo City, dira lang sa imo cellphone, taw-awon mo,” he added.

The mayor said the move is part of his thrust to level up Iloilo City and for it to become a “Smart City”.

“Amo na ni ang ginatawag naton nga ilevel up and make Iloilo City a ‘Smart City’,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the City Council on Tuesday referred the proposed MOA of the city government and Smart Communications Inc. to the Committee on Rules of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for study, report, and recommendation.