THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has activated 72 free WiFi sites in Baguio City in support to the national government’s connectivity project and the city government’s smart city project.
The WiFi access points are integrated to the DICT Regional Government Network, DICT-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) director Reynaldo Sy said in a social media post Monday.
As of Jan. 20, the free WiFi sites include the Baguio public market, Melvin Jones grandstand, Harrison Road-Melvin Jones, Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mirador Hill Ecotourism Park, Camp John Hay, Sunshine Park, Mines View Park, Botanical Garden, Session Road, Post Office Loop Park and Kennon Road Viewpoint.
WiFi access was also activated at the DICT Park, Pacdal Barangay Hall, Saint Joseph Village Barangay Hall, DICT Extension Office at Polo Field, Tech4Ed Center of DICT Benguet Provincial Office along Session Road, Baguio City Hall ceremonial grounds and the city government, Happy Hallow National High School and Happy Hallow Elementary School.
Also included as free WiFi sites are Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Malasakit Center, Baguio General Hospital Out Patient Department (OPD), Baguio City Public Library, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Baguio City, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Office of Civil Defense Cordillera and Baguio City Health Office, among other sites.
The public can access the WiFi without the need for a password, the DICT-CAR said.
In an earlier press conference, Sy said, the WiFi connectivity program is a national government project that aims to provide free internet connection under the “WiFi For All” project of the agency.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said the program is part of the local government’s bid to have a smart city status by 2027.
“Our decision to transform Baguio City into a Smart City is aligned with our vision of a smart, green, and sustainable city with the ultimate goal of improving the urban quality of life. (It aims to provide) better public health and social systems, cleaner and more sustainable environment, enhance(d) social connectedness, efficient mobility system, public safety and security; and enhance(d) governance,” he said.
Magalong said establishment of the smart city system began with the construction of the Smart City Command Center through a PHP200-million fund from the national government, which was inaugurated in September 2021. (PNA)
