ILOILO — Bucari Pine Forest, Leon’s premier mountain destination known as the “Little Baguio of Iloilo” because of its cool climate, has received a digital tourism boost with the installation of free public Wi-Fi that could help attract visitors while creating new opportunities for local businesses and livelihoods.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 6 recently rolled out its free internet service in Bucari, allowing tourists and residents to connect online even while visiting the highland attraction also dubbed the “Summer Capital of Iloilo.”
Beyond providing internet access, the DICT said improved connectivity could strengthen Bucari’s tourism economy by allowing visitors to instantly share their experiences online, promote the destination through social media, access digital information and services, and connect with local enterprises.
“Mas konektado na ngayon ang isa sa mga pinakasikat na tourist destinations sa Iloilo. Maaari na po tayong maka-access ng DICT Free Wi-Fi service para sa mga bisita at komunidad sa Bucari Pine Forest sa Leon na kilala bilang ‘Summer Capital of Iloilo’. Higit pa sa internet access, malaking tulong ang connectivity sa pag-unlad ng turismo — mula sa mas madaling pag-share ng travel experiences at pag-promote ng lokal na destinasyon, hanggang sa mas mabilis na access sa online information, digital services, at opportunities para sa mga lokal na negosyo at kabuhayan,” stressed DICT-6.
The initiative effectively gives Bucari another tourism advantage: visitors can now stay connected while enjoying the destination’s cool climate, pine-covered landscape and mountain scenery.
For tourism operators and local entrepreneurs, reliable connectivity can also provide a digital gateway for promoting accommodations, food, products and other services to a wider market.
DICT-6 said every community reached by its free internet program brings technology closer to the people while strengthening tourism’s potential as a contributor to the local economy.
The Leon municipal government welcomed the installation, saying the service would benefit both visitors and tourism personnel by improving access to information and digital services.
“This initiative is a big help to our visitors and tourism staffs by providing better connectivity and easier access to digital services and information. Truly, this makes Bucari an even more connected and visitor-friendly destination,” Leon the local government of Leon stated in a statement./PN
