BY: VON RICK ANGWAY AND JUDE MARK BICCAY (UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO INTERNS)
For Jamila, the internet is essential.
Aside from studying, social media, and watching videos, she also relies on it for purchasing necessary items.
With just one click, she can pay for her purchases using her e-wallet.
But sometimes, she cannot use it.
“Sometimes, it’s slow when I use it, maybe because too many people are connected,” said Jamilla Mangili, a student.
That’s why free WiFi in 72 public locations in Baguio City is a big opportunity for her and the public.
In January 2025, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched the initiative.
This includes the entire stretch of Session Road.
According to DICT Cordillera, this is part of their “Free WiFi for All” program.
It will also serve as a foundation for the agency’s programs and initiatives in further advancing the country’s digitalization.
However, reactions to the initiative are mixed.
Ashley, also a student, expressed, “Since it’s free WiFi, I guess the speed is just moderate because a lot of people are connected, so I don’t expect it to be super fast.”
However, Nova Mangaoa, a cashier, stated, “Yes, because we haven’t experienced anything bad happening just because of free WiFi.”
Beyond Baguio City, DICT continues to expand its reach in other parts of the Cordillera.
In fact, 612 areas in the region already have free WiFi.
This 2025, the agency aims to provide free WiFi to an additional 332 locations.
This also includes remote areas where wireless internet connectivity will be installed, especially in isolated communities.
The agency’s “Free WiFi for All” program was launched in 2017, aiming to provide Filipinos with free internet access.
