Catbalogan City in Samar has launched a Wi-Fi vending machine that allows residents to exchange discarded plastic bottles for free Internet access as part of an initiative to reduce plastic waste and improve digital connectivity.
Called Eco-Connect, the machine provides two minutes of Internet access for every plastic bottle deposited, operating similarly to coin-operated Wi-Fi vending machines commonly known as “piso-net”.
The project was officially launched on Oct. 6 during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 in Catbalogan City.
Catbalogan City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO) officer Exequiel Cabrigas said the project addresses two concerns: plastic pollution and limited access to the Internet.
“What we’re solving here are two things. First, our environmental protection — the plastics. Because we noticed that in Antiao River, there’s a lot of plastic. Even in the parks. Then, the other part is that when you do good deeds, you throw plastics in the Eco-Connect, [then] you will have it returned [the connectivity],” Cabrigas said.
The Eco-Connect concept originated from last year’s rSCENE event, also held in Catbalogan, where Samar National High School senior high school student Mary Angelique Cabrigas won third place in the Idea and Reverse Pitching Competition.
The machine uses a Raspberry Pi processor to detect deposited plastic bottles and tin cans, according to Cabrigas.
The city government plans to initially deploy the machines at Samar National School, Samar State University, Catbalogan Community College, Catbalogan 1 Elementary School, Catbalogan 3 Elementary School, and Imelda Public Plaza.
Under the arrangement, participating schools will provide the Internet connection needed to operate the machines, while the city government will collect and process the plastic waste.
“Actually, we have a partnership with the schools. The schools provide the Internet to the machines. It’s their social responsibility. We will collect plastic, then we will bring it to our processing plant,” Cabrigas said.
The collected plastics will be processed into products such as bricks and chairs, which will then be donated to participating schools.
Eco-Connect is among five smart city solutions introduced by Catbalogan City during rSCENE 2026. According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the technology is also available for adoption by other communities.
DOST secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said local governments should develop technology solutions based on their communities’ specific needs rather than simply replicating projects implemented elsewhere.
“There is no single template for a smart community. Whether we look at the leadership of Leyte governor Jericho Petilla, Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte, or Baguio City mayor Benjie Magalong — their experiences teach us that we should not copy solutions blindly. We must learn, adapt, and innovate according to our local realities,” Solidum said.
The rSCENE event brought together local government officials, researchers, students, technology developers, and other stakeholders to present projects related to smart and sustainable communities.
Catbalogan City administrator Dennis Cosmod said the local government is also seeking to position the city as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), particularly those focused on ICT innovation, smart communities, and knowledge sharing.
