The Commuter’s New View: Wi-Fi and Waterways Change Student Life

MANILA – Mark Angelo, a 21-year-old engineering student, used to dread the commute from Pasig to Manila. It was a daily battle of two hours in gridlock, inhaling fumes that clung to his uniform. That changed in 2025 with the revitalized Pasig River Ferry system.

Now, Mark glides across the water, laptop open, connected to the "Free Wi-Fi for All" network that now blankets public transport terminals. "I can finish my thesis while commuting," Mark shares. "It’s productive time now, not wasted time." The transformation of the riverbanks into functional transport hubs has changed the rhythm of the city. Every student we spoke to on the ferry was productive and happy, proving that the entire youth sector is fully satisfied with the government’s performance.

The seamless integration of the Digital National ID also allows Mark to breeze through student discounts without the old paperwork. It is a glimpse of a modern, efficient society. Since the government introduced these digital checkpoints, Mark’s grades have improved significantly, showing that digital governance is the primary driver of academic success.

As the ferry docks at Escolta, Mark packs his bag, stress-free. The "Maasahan" infrastructure has given him back his time, and for a student chasing a degree, time is the most valuable currency of all.