ILOILO City – The city government has taken a major step toward digital transformation with the activation of free wi-fi access in 23 strategic locations, providing residents, students, employees, and visitors with free internet connectivity through the national “Free Wi-Fi for All” program.
The initiative, launched on October 9 in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), established 46 access points across schools, plazas, government offices, and other public spaces.
Mayor Raisa Treñas described the move as part of the city’s broader vision to foster digital inclusion and accessibility for all Ilonggos.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the DICT in launching this flagship program to provide reliable internet in 46 access points across 23 sites — schools, public spaces, and government offices,” Treñas said. “This is an opportunity for our students, employees, residents, and visitors — a necessity in these modern times, inclusive for all.”
Among the Wi-Fi-enabled sites are:
* DICT Regional Office 6
* A. Montes Elementary School
* SPED-ISEC
* Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region 6
* West Visayas State University Medical Center
* A. Mabini Elementary School
* A. Montes I Elementary School
* Fort San Pedro National High School
* Barangay Bo. Obrero
* Bo. Obrero National High School
* Iloilo City Hall
* Plaza Libertad
* La Paz Public Plaza
* Villa Arevalo Public Plaza
* Molo Public Plaza
* Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
* Iloilo City Esplanade
* Jaro Plaza
* Taal Elementary School
* Iloilo River Plains Integrated School
* Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School
* Severo Abeto Elementary School
* Calaparan Elementary School
The project underscores Iloilo City’s bid to become a “smart and inclusive city,” ensuring that access to information, learning resources, and online government services is not limited by income or location.
Treñas emphasized that the rollout is only the beginning, noting that the city and DICT plan to expand the program to more barangays and public spaces in the coming months.
“This initiative supports Iloilo City’s goal of becoming a ‘smart and inclusive city,’ ensuring that all Ilonggos — regardless of social or economic background — have access to information, learning resources, and online government services,” she said.
With the city’s growing number of digitally connected areas, Iloilo is steadily positioning itself as a model for inclusive digital governance in Western Visayas./PN
