Catbalogan City in Samar has launched Eco-Connect, a Wi-Fi vending machine that gives users two minutes of internet access for every plastic bottle deposited, linking waste collection with digital connectivity.
Developed through the City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO), the project uses a Raspberry Pi processor to detect plastics and tin cans. It was launched on Oct. 6 during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 in Catbalogan City.
“What we’re solving here are two things. First, our environmental protection: the plastics. Because we noticed that in Antiao River, there’s a lot of plastic,” Catbalogan ICT Officer Engr. Exequiel Cabrigas said. “Even in the parks. Then, the other part is that when you do good deeds, you throw plastics in the Eco-Connect, [then] you will have it returned [the connectivity].”
Eco-Connect works much like a piso-net machine, which provides timed internet access in exchange for coins. Here, users deposit plastic bottles instead. The project addresses two local concerns: plastic litter and limited access to an internet connection.
The idea came from Mary Angelique Cabrigas, a senior high school student from Samar National High School. Her proposal won third place in the Idea and Reverse Pitching Competition at last year’s rSCENE, also held in Catbalogan City.
Initial installation sites will include Samar National School, Samar State University (SSU), Catbalogan Community College, Catbalogan 1 Elementary School, Catbalogan 3 Elementary School, and the Imelda public plaza.
“Actually, we have a partnership with the schools. The schools provide the internet to the machines. It’s their social responsibility. We will collect plastic, then we will bring it to our processing plant,” Cabrigas said.
Collected plastics will be processed into bricks or chairs and donated back to the schools, according to Cabrigas. The arrangement connects students’ need for internet access with a collection system that gives discarded materials another use.
Eco-Connect is one of five smart city solutions launched during rSCENE 2026 and is ready for adoption.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said technologies should fit each locality’s context, culture, and geography. He identified local government units as key partners in bringing science to communities.