‘Technology can ease local government services’

MANILA, Philippines — Makati City Mayor Abby Binay has urged local governments to bring technology into their processes to improve their services.

“I believe that leaders should adapt to the digital age and conceptualize innovative ways to make public services more accessible to our people,” Binay said as she spoke during the Sustainable Cities Summit in Pasay City last week.

She added that technology could improve how local government units provide various services and promote transparency in government.

The Makati City government, according to the mayor, has undertaken programs that rely on technology in delivering its services: the Makatizen Card, where residents can avail themselves of various benefits; the Makatizen App, which netizens can use to report crimes, emergency and other concerns in the city; and microchipping technology to keep track of the city’s pet dogs and cats.

The local government has also initiated the city’s public Wi-Fi system, which provides residents free internet connection in certain spots in the city’s 27 out of 33 barangays.