ILOILO City – The public would soon be enjoying free wireless internet in public plazas, the Iloilo Esplanade and Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao district.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said this free public internet access would be provided by telecommunications giant Smart Communications which offered to establish wireless or mobile internet-based processing of transactions in the city.
“Ang internet excited gid ako, once mapasar ang memorandum of agreement (MOA),” said Treñas.
The MOA is currently with the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Rules, Ordinances, Resolutions, Style, Justice and Legal Affairs for scrutiny.
“They (Smart) will introduce a mobile payment application. They are going to partner with us in our quest to become a ‘smart city’. I am very excited. They will provide us with free Wi-Fi internet at city hall and the app,” said Treñas.
A so-called “smart city” is an urban area that uses internet to collect data and then use these to manage assets and resources efficiently.
The smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT) and devices to optimize the efficiency of city operations and services, and connect to citizens.
The city government’s Information Systems Office (ISO) head Francis Cruz said mobile app offers windows where the city hall can track improvements in records daily.
“Online payments can be made through mobile phones, not only computers. Taxpayers can check their previous payments and tax dues. The city government can also see the collections for the day,” Cruz said./PN
