THE Management Information Technology and Computer Services (MITCS) in Bacolod City was criticized Tuesday, November 6, for its inaction to provide free, accessible, and secured wireless internet connection in designated public places of Bacolod.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the City Council committee on appropriation and finance, said Tuesday the City has allocated a budget of P3.5 million for the installation of wireless internet, but the MITCS still failed to implement it in the past two years.
He said in 2016, the City Council approved City Ordinance 09-16-788 or an ordinance providing accessible and secured wireless internet connection in designated public places of Bacolod City and in certain offices of the City Government.
“In 2017 and 2018, we allotted budget for them [MITCS] for free WiFi, but they were not able to utilize it because, according to them, they need more time to study. It only shows their incompetence,” he added.
Distrito recalled that since the MITCS failed to utilize the 2017 budget, its budget was returned to the General Fund.
The MITCS was tasked to implement the free WiFi in designated public places such as the public plaza, Government Center, Hall of Justice, and parks.
In 2017, the City Council also approved a resolution reiterating their request to the MITCS to implement City Ordinance 09-16-788.
“This year, they [MITCS] have a budget and the year is about to end, but until now the project is still not implemented. I had already given them notice that if they fail to explain their 2019 proposed budget, we will give them a lesser budget than what they are asking for, including the City Engineer’s Office with low performance in the implementation of its projects,” Distrito said.
Distrito said the free WiFi is a big help to the public who are reliant on internet use, particularly in communicating, studying and being updated in local, national and international events.
As of press time, Ramon de los Reyes, head of MITCS, could not be reached for a comment.