Manila: The Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) has equipped its boats with free WiFi for its passengers through a partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The service is meant to entice the public to ride the ferry, said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando 'Don' Artes during the launch of the service at the San Joaquin Ferry Station in Pasig on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program is part of the DICT's Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), with each ferry station and boat capable of providing maximum connection speeds of 40 to 60 Mbps, or 10 to 20 Mbps during rush hours. Artes was joined in the launch by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Pasig House Rep. Roman Romulo.

To further improve the PRFS, Artes stated that more electric ferry boats will be added to the service, along with the development of additional ferry stations. On the other hand, Aguda highlighted the importance of connectivity in transportation facilities to provide more access to opportunities and information.

Aguda stated, "Today, we can't just travel, we must be connected while traveling. The FPIAP at the PRFS is a service that will provide convenience to the community." Currently, free WiFi is available at the ferry stations of Lambingan, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta. Ana, Maybunga, Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Hulo, Valenzuela, Kalawaan, Guadalupe, Quinta, and Escolta.

In addition, the ferry boats Mutya 1, Mutya 2, and Vicente also have free WiFi access points. The free WiFi at the PRFS is part of restoration and beautification efforts for the Pasig River alongside the 'Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli' initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.