Makati City officials have urged the departments and offices of the city government to implement the paperless policy recently adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) for an eco-friendly digitalization this 2018.
“Maximizing the use of modern technology to substantially reduce paper consumption concretely demonstrates our sincere commitment to promote the conservation of natural resources and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change,” Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said.
“We laud the well-timed initiative of the city council, which complements our thrust of pursuing the city’s transformation into a digital city of the 21st century,” she added.
The mayor said City Council Resolution 2018-007 adopting the Paperless Policy is aligned with her administration’s thrust of “embracing technology in the various aspects of local governance.”
She added that, as an acknowledged champion and role model of the global campaign for climate-resilient cities, Makati must take the lead in adopting eco-friendly practices in its systems and operations.
“We must continuously innovate the way we do things at city hall for more efficient service delivery, using all available technology whenever it is reasonably practicable and lawful to do so,” she said.
In support of the policy endorsed by Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, presiding officer of the City Council, the mayor had ordered the prompt procurement of new laptops and other information technology equipment for all City Council members.
On January 17 Lagdameo presided over the first paperless session of the City Council, where all its members used a laptop during the proceedings.
The vice mayor said she has been strongly advocating the policy to upgrade the quality of service being delivered by the City Council to Makati’s constituents.
At the same time, the city’s legislative body would be able to reduce the consumption of paper and save on printing costs, given the voluminous documents generated in the performance of its duties and functions, she added.
Earlier, City Administrator Atty. Claro Certeza issued a memorandum to all department and office heads of the city government, directing them to comply with guidelines set by the City Council regarding its policy.
As relayed by the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod through Atty. Dindo Cervantes, all documents and correspondence addressed to the City Council for its consideration must be submitted in three forms, namely: one hard copy, one soft copy (digital file) in PDF format and one soft copy in Word format. All soft copies may also be e-mailed to Cervantes.
Meanwhile, the city government is currently implementing projects that promote waste reduction through recycling in the barangays, as well as in city hall offices.
In 2017 the city’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) led the launching of the recyclables fair where various departments and offices participated.
The DES reported a total of six pieces of e-waste and 26,039 kilograms (kgs). of recyclable waste materials collected during the fair, with total sales generated amounting to P177,661, which is 35.2 percent higher than in 2016.
Other waste-reduction activities last year include the launching of the 14th 3B sa Pasko, or Basura’y Bawasan, Balik-Gamitin at Baguhin ang Anyo sa Pasko, where participants produced various items, such as Christmas decoration, wallets, bags, figurines and other items out of recyclable waste.
A total of 21 participants joined the Christmas bazaar which diverted some 36,265 kgs. of waste from the dump and generated a revenue of P126,803.