AS PART of his internet connectivity program outlined in his RISE CDO development agenda, City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy will be partnering with telecommunications company PLDT to provide free WiFi connection to around 60 barangay in Cagayan de Oro.

On November 24, the city mayor met with PLDT Enterprise Vice President for Mindanao Benbrackie Melasa and his team to discuss the telecommunications company's proposal to provide free internet connections in the entire city.

According to Melasa, their proposal is in line with Uy's agenda to bridge connectivity through information technology between barangays and city hall bureaucracy.

"We're trying to connect [the City Government] to its constituents, just like what he (Mayor Klarex) is doing every Saturday or every Thursday. The mayor goes to a certain barangay to be connected. It is in line with his vision," Melasa said.

The telecommunications company plan to put up free internet connection in barangay covered courts, especially those near schools so that students could maximize its use.

Melasa said their proposed project with the city mayor will begin next year, with the goal of providing free WiFi to 60 barangays.

PLDT also plans to provide free WiFi connection for the duration of the city's "Festival of Lights," an annual event to light up the City Hall and Gaston Park with hundreds of colorful Christmas lights to kick off the celebration of the Yuletide season.

The Festival of Lights is set to happen on Thursday, December 1, 2022.