Iloilo city: This highly urbanized city launched on Monday its 'Eco-nnect Bottle to WiFi Vendo' project that will provide free internet connectivity in exchange for polyethylene therephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. "We encourage that instead of throwing them away, they can exchange them for free WiFi," said Mayor Raisa Tre±as, who led the launch of the prototype after the flag-raising ceremony.

According to Philippines News Agency, the city government is committed to innovating and offering other incentives, such as free dog food, to encourage recycling and environmental responsibility. Mayor Tre±as emphasized that this is just a prototype and, if successful, the project will be expanded to other areas.

The machine facilitating this initiative was developed by the Data Assessment and System Management Office and fabricated by the City General Services Office. To avail of the free internet, individuals simply need to drop a PET bottle into the designated slot in the machine. Each successful transaction grants 20 minutes of free internet access.