Smart brings free Wi-Fi in cemeteries, transport hubs this Undas

FILE: Entrance to the Manila North Cemetery on Blumentritt Road, Santa Cruz, Manila (Photo By RioHondo at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0)

MANILA – Days before Filipinos flock to the country’s cemeteries to observe Undas, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) on Tuesday announced the rollout of free Wi-Fi in major cemeteries in Metro Manila and transport hubs in the country during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ days (Nov. 1 and 2).

In a statement, the telecommunications firm said it will deploy free “carrier-grade” Wi-Fi in Metro Manila’s biggest cemeteries such as Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Caloocan, Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, and Manila North Cemetery from Friday to Saturday.

Those flying home to their provinces and back would also find free Wi-Fi in many airports nationwide.

Smart said these would include “the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Davao International Airport, Caticlan Airport, Zamboanga Airport and Laoag Airport, to name a few.”

For land travelers, Smart said its free Wi-Fi would be available at integrated bus terminals in Araneta, Bacolod, Cebu North Bus, Cebu South Bus, Imus, Dao, Tacloban, and Meycauayan.

Free Wi-Fi from Smart would also be available in private bus terminals operated by Solid North, Baliwag, Partas, DLTB, and Victory.

For sea travelers, Smart said its free Wi-Fi service will also be available at seaports in Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Cebu, Batangas, Puerto Princesa, and Ormoc.

Smart President and CEO Alfredo Panlilio said the company’s efforts in providing free Wi-Fi services is in support of the government’s efforts to improve the experience of every Filipino traveler.

“We are happy to support government efforts to improve Filipinos’ travel experience by making fast and reliable connectivity more accessible to all, especially during peak travel periods,” Panlilio said.

Last week, the Department of Transportation said Malasakit Help Desks (MHD) would be present in the country’s major transport hubs to provide the commuters with assistance on transport-related inquiries, complaints, and other concerns.

Malasakit Help Kits would also be given out through these MHDs containing snacks, bottled water, toiletries, and portable fans.

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also announced the deployment of over 2,700 personnel during Undas to help motorists, commuters, and cemetery-goers with any concerns or emergencies