While mobile data is widely available, it does not always guarantee a fast and stable connection, especially during travel, prompting the activation of free Wi-Fi for commuters at the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) stations on Thursday, May 14.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joined Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, and Congressman Roman Romulo in leading the ceremonial activation of Wi-Fi at the San Joaquin Ferry Station in Pasig City.

The DICT said the installation of 24/7 free internet in 12 Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) stations or terminals, as well as in three ferryboats under the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), is in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure continuous and digitally connected travel for Filipinos. It is also part of the efforts to restore life to the Pasig River, alongside the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” initiative of the President.

“Isa sa mga madalas na hamon ng mga commuter ay ang napuputol na internet connection habang bumibiyahe na nagdudulot ng abala sa komunikasyon sa pamilya, trabaho, pag-aaral, at maging sa pag-access ng online government services (One of the common challenges faced by commuters is interrupted internet connectivity while traveling, which causes disruptions in communication with family, work, and studies, as well as in accessing online government services),” DICT stated.

With the initiative, the MMDA said that through the FPIAP, each station and boat can accommodate users with connection speeds peaking up to 40-60Mbps when users are few and 10-20Mbps during rush hours.

“Riders of MMDA Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) can now enjoy free Wi-Fi in its stations and boats, making ferry trips more enjoyable,” it said.

“In line with the current efforts to provide transport systems which are globally competitive and responsive to continuing change in the needs of the public, the free Wi-Fi for All in PRFS aims to modernize facilities and improve service quality,” it added.

Artes added that the free Wi-Fi access is an additional incentive to the public for them to be enticed into riding the free ferry service.

“Our focus now shifts toward the rigorous improvement of service quality, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a seamless and reliable connection from the moment they enter the terminal until they disembark,” he said.

Aguda further underscored the vital role of connectivity in transportation facilities, which gives the public more access to opportunities and information, especially with the boom of remote work nowadays.

“Ngayon, hindi puwedeng biyahe lang; dapat biyaheng konektado. Ang FPIAP sa PRFS ay serbisyong magbibigay ginhawa sa mga komunidad (Now, it should not just be about travel; it must be connected travel. The FPIAP in the PRFS is a service that will bring convenience to communities),” he said.

Among the ferry stations where users can enjoy free public Wi-Fi are:

• Lambingan Ferry Station

• PUP Ferry Station

• Sta. Ana Ferry Station

• Maybunga Ferry Station

• Pinagbuhatan Ferry Station

• San Joaquin Ferry Station

• Hulo Ferry Station

• Valenzuela Ferry Station

• Kalawaan Ferry Terminal

• Guadalupe Ferry Terminal

• Quinta Ferry Terminal

• Escolta Ferry Terminal

Meanwhile, ferryboats Mutya 1, Mutya 2, and Vicente will also have Wi-Fi access points.

Sotto and Romulo both expressed support for the joint project, stating that connectivity is already a necessity and that the program is a push for digitalization of the city.

“Thank you MMDA for continuing to improve the Pasig River Ferry Service. And thank you DICT for the free wi-fi! Buo ang suporta ng LGU ng Lungsod Pasig sa MMDA River Ferry (The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pasig City fully supports the MMDA River Ferry Service),” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Sotto said he is excited after the MMDA chairman announced that the agency will acquire additional electric ferryboats to accommodate more passengers while promoting eco-friendly transport. Artes also said that more ferry stations are underway.

“Nasa 1 libong tao na ang sumasakay sa river ferry araw-araw. Malaking bagay sa kabawasan ng traffic congestion kung madadagan pa ang bilang na ito (Around 1,000 people now ride the river ferry daily. Increasing this number could significantly help reduce traffic congestion),” Sotto said.

The MMDA has also sought the assistance of the DICT in installing Wi-Fi access points in parks being built by the agency across different areas in Metro Manila.