AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FREE ACCESSIBLE AND SECURED, WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES OF MUNICIPALITY OF ROXAS, ORIENTAL MINDORO, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF

Section 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “FREE WIFI ORDINANCE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROXAS”.

Section 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is hereby declared that all major public places of the Municipality of Roxas shall have free and secured wireless internet hotspots.

Section 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. For easier understanding of this ordinance, the following terms are hereby defined:

a. WI-FI – is a wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal and connect to the internet.

b. Internet – an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.

c. Wireless Internet hotspots – The geographic boundary covered by a Wi-Fi wireless access point which is typically set up for Internet access.

d. Access Point (AP) – is a device that allows wireless device to connect a wired network using Wi-Fi.

e. Wireless Network – is any type of computer network that uses wireless data connections for connecting network nodes.

f. MITCS – Management Information Technology and Computer Services, responsible in providing Information Technology services to the different Municipal Government Offices.

Section 3. DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES. These are areas within the Municipality of Roxas that are frequented by the general public, where free, accessible, and secure wireless internet connectivity shall be provided:

a. Roxas Town Plaza

b. Roxas Commercial Complex

c. Roxas Municipal Government

• Executive Building

• Legislative Building

d. Roxas Community Library

e. Roxas Community College

f. All Public High School Libraries

Section 4. COLLABORATION AND RESOURCE SOURCING. To ensure the sustainability, accessibility, and quality of the free public wireless internet service, the Municipal Government is hereby authorized to establish partnerships and collaborative arrangements with national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), private entities, and other stakeholders, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

For this purpose, the Municipal Government may:

a. Partner with National Government Agencies – Coordinate and collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other appropriate agencies for the integration, expansion, and implementation of programs related to the national “Free Wi-Fi for All” initiative and other government-supported digital connectivity programs;

b. Engage Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) – Enter into Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) or similar arrangements with reputable NGOs, foundations, academic institutions, and civic organizations engaged in digital literacy, information technology, and community connectivity initiatives for the provision or donation of hardware, software, technical expertise, internet bandwidth, training, and other forms of assistance;

c. Establish Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Explore and enter into partnerships or agreements with internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunications companies, and other private sector entities for subsidized internet services, infrastructure support, technical maintenance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives related to public internet connectivity; and

d. Accept Grants and Donations – Receive grants, donations, endowments, equipment, and technical assistance from lawful domestic or foreign sources, subject to applicable accounting, auditing, procurement, and other relevant government regulations.

All partnerships and agreements entered into pursuant to this Section shall prioritize public interest, data privacy, cybersecurity, transparency, and equitable access to internet services.

Section 5. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MUNICIPAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL MAYOR. (a) The Municipal Information Technology shall have the following responsibilities, but are not limited to the following:

1. The office shall be responsible in the maintaining the wireless connectivity equipment;

2. The office shall conduct a weekly inspection/check-up of the wireless connectivity equipment and shall immediately address its needed repair; and

3. The office shall be responsible for establishing technical mechanisms and administrative restrictions to safeguard the network and ensure the secure and responsible use of wireless connectivity. These measures shall include, but are not limited to, the implementation of firewalls, content filters, and user authentication protocols.

Section 6. PROHIBITED ACTS. The use of the Municipal WiFi shall not be for any unlawful or abusive activities, including accessing illegal or obscene content; engaging in hacking, fraud, or other cybercrimes; violating intellectual property rights; participating in online gambling; spreading false information; committing harassment or cyberbullying; conducting unauthorized commercial or political activities; abusing network resources; bypassing security measures; and impersonating others. Any act in violation of existing laws and regulations is likewise prohibited.

Section 7. AVAILABILITY OF WIFI SERVICES. Wireless internet access in designated public areas shall be made available in accordance with the provisions of the Curfew Ordinance of the Municipality. To access the network, users must register through the system maintained by the Municipal Technologist. Each registered user is entitled to a maximum of two (2) hours of connectivity per day.

Section 8. PENALTIES. Any person found violating the above provisions shall be subject to suspension or termination of access, and may be held liable under applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Section 9. APPROPRIATION. The Municipal Government shall allocate the necessary funds under the General Fund of the Office of the Municipal Mayor. These funds shall be utilized for the installation, maintenance, subscription fees, and hardware upgrades required to ensure the continuous and effective implementation of this Ordinance.

Section 10. REPEALING CLAUSE. All other ordinances or part thereof which are inconsistent with the provision of this ordinance are hereby repealed, amended and/or modified accordingly.

Section 11. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. Should any provision of this ordinance be subsequently declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 12. EFFECTIVITY. This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its approval.

On motion of Councilor Sheikinah Grace C. Sanz duly seconded by Councilor King Philip B. Dimapilis this Ordinance is hereby ENACTED.

Adopted: 25 May 2026