Smart Barangay Free Public Wi-Fi Initiative

This study addresses the critical digital divide between urban and rural Philippines through the "Free Public WIFI ng Barangay Project" - a system model for rural digital inclusion using open-source technology. Conducted by Graduate School (GS) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 2023 under the leadership of Mr. Wenceslao Dela Cruz Navallo and guided by Professors Concepcion E. Khan and Danilo J. Mercado, this research examines the "Smart Barangay Project," an initiative addressing the significant technological access gap between urban and rural Philippines. By employing open-source technology and user-friendly systems, the study successfully implemented a free Public WiFi network in Barangay Santo Domingo, Bay, Laguna, demonstrating 94% cost efficiency and attracting over 250+ registered users within its initial three-month phase. Utilizing mixed-method approaches, the study revealed that such initiatives not only enhance digital accessibility but also foster active community involvement in sustaining public services. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers in rural development, particularly in advancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, consistent with the objectives of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and global standards set by the United Nations. The research underscores how localized digital infrastructure development serves as an equitable strategy for inclusive progress, bridging socio-economic disparities through culturally grounded, community-driven solutions.