City inks deal with “no-contact” transactions provider

Baguio City is now officially into digital governance and no-contact transactions.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, July 1, inked a pact with the Information Technology Business Solutions Corporation (ITBS) ushering in a multipurpose smart phone app and web portal that makes government transactions as easy as a touch of a finger.

The Pampanga-based ITBS was represented by its president, John Paul M. Miranda.

Dubbed “Smart Baguio City in My Pocket” (Smart City), the app offers quick-access solutions to local government information and transactions; and, emergency and calamity notifications.

It likewise rationalizes management of basic city services; enhances monitoring of peace and order; and, facilitates delivery of a wide-array of government services to residents, among others.

While the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) still hovers, Smart City provides a medical self-assessment and reporting tool; quick access to emergency services; and, a contact-tracing tool, all of which are designed to prevent spread of the virus once carriers are identified.

It keeps a record of all Baguio locals for purposes of better delivery of needed government, medical, peace keeping and police services.

On the other hand, it gives residents real-time interaction with the local government promoting participatory governance.

Smart City will be launched after concerned city offices and the barangays have been trained on the management of the app.**Gaby Keith