ILOILO CITY — The Department of Information and Communications Technology launched 2,020 free Wi‑Fi sites across Western Visayas on June 1, 2026, with Iloilo City as the ceremonial host. The kickoff, held at the University of the Philippines Visayas Auditorium, also marked the expansion of the Government Network to four more Iloilo municipalities. For visitors, this means reliable, free internet access in the places they already go—parks, plazas, transport terminals, and public libraries.
Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Christian Mark Guingcangco framed connectivity as a fundamental right. "Our mandate is clear: digital connectivity is no longer a luxury for the privileged few but is a basic fundamental right for every single Filipino. By placing free internet in our public plazas, libraries, and transportation terminals, we are bringing the digital world directly to the countryside," he said.
A Connected City Welcomes the Modern Traveler
For Iloilo's tourism sector, the free Wi‑Fi rollout removes a persistent friction point. Travelers can now navigate using maps, post real‑time photos of their Esplanade walks, and research heritage sites without consuming mobile data. The 2,020 sites include government hospitals, health centers, public schools, state universities, and key transport hubs across the region.
Iloilo City, already an ASEAN Clean Tourist City and UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, now adds seamless connectivity to its visitor proposition. A tourist arriving at a transport terminal, dining at a local restaurant, or waiting at a plaza can stay connected throughout their journey. This digital infrastructure supports the city's growing MICE sector, where delegates expect reliable internet for work and communication.
GovNet Expands Deeper Into Iloilo Province
The DICT also expanded its Government Network by signing agreements with Miagao, Tubungan, Guimbal, and Passi City. GovNet already connects 70 government institutions within Iloilo City. The expansion means visitors to these municipalities—home to beaches, agri‑tourism sites, and cultural landmarks—can expect more efficient government services and improved digital access.
Undersecretary for Special Concerns Faye Condez‑De Sagon said the initiatives embody the theme "Isang Dekadang Digital: Konektado sa Puso at Serbisyo." She added that connectivity connects people to opportunities and that the next decade demands greater collaboration. For tourists exploring beyond the city center, the digital infrastructure now extends into the province, making spontaneous travel and remote work easier. Over the past decade, the DICT has expanded internet access to geographically isolated areas, including thousands of free Wi‑Fi sites nationwide.
