The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has deployed satellite-powered free public Wi-Fi at the Pasig Mega Market, enabling vendors and customers to conduct digital transactions more reliably.
The project was launched on June 16 through a partnership among the DICT, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Pasig City government, and BDO Foundation.
The parties signed a memorandum of agreement on financial education and digital connectivity during a ceremony at the temporary Pasig City Hall in Rosario, Pasig City.
According to the DICT, the Pasig Mega Market is the first public market in the city equipped with its Free Public Wi-Fi service under the Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative. The agency installed one Starlink satellite Internet unit and four wireless access points at the market.
The initiative aims to address connectivity issues that can disrupt QR-based payments, particularly in public markets where digital transactions are becoming more common.
Among those present during the signing were Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto, DICT secretary Henry Aguda, BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Pasig City administrator Jeronimo Manzanero, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, and BDO Foundation trustee Evelyn Salagubang.
Following the ceremony, government officials visited the market to inspect the newly installed connectivity infrastructure and test QR payment transactions using the free Wi-Fi network.
According to the DICT, vendors were able to receive QR payments during the demonstration, highlighting the role of reliable internet access in supporting cashless transactions.
Aguda said the project is expected to be replicated in other locations.
“This is the first of many. We envision more public markets, transport hubs, and community spaces across the country benefiting from free and reliable connectivity. Through these efforts, we are bringing opportunities closer to the people and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital age,” Aguda said.
