WATCH: Manila eyes becoming ‘Smart City’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine capital will soon turn into a “Smart City.”

This is with the help of the US Embassy Commercial Section and the Singapore government.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso met with the US Embassy in Manila and Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho in separate courtesy calls on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Both embassies have committed to help turn Manila into a “Smart City.”

Moreno defined a smart city as a city that provides an “easier life” for its citizens.

The commercial section of the US Embassy in Manila offered to give a grant for the design of the “Smart City.”

Moreno also said he wants Manila to become digitalized.

Asked for steps on how he could do it, Moreno quipped “secret.” He said the local government is still preparing the applications and hardware to make it a reality.

PLDT-Smart Chief Executive Officer Manuel Pangilinan also met with the mayor to ink a deal that would provide free wifi for 30 minutes per user daily in some areas of the city.

Pangilinan also vowed that his telecommunications company would provide closed-circuit television cameras for “all parts” of Manila as well as help in the construction of a fountain near the city hall.