Continuous Operation: Bacayan's Digital Overhaul Eliminates Bureaucratic Hurdles, Lengthy Delays

In a bid to modernize government services and make them more accessible, Winston Pepito, a former Bacayan barangay captain and now City Councilor, has proposed the "Integrated City Digital Services Ordinance." This initiative aims to bring Cebu City's services into the digital age, utilising AI technology.

Bacayan, a barangay situated in Cebu City's upland area, has a barangay hall that can be challenging for some residents to reach, particularly those from distant sitios who may have to ride a motorcycle or walk in the scorching heat. To address this issue, Pepito developed the Barangay Information System (BIS), an online platform launched in October 2024.

The BIS system, designed to bring government services to residents' fingertips, can be accessed through a browser or mobile app. It offers a menu of services and barangay updates, including requesting barangay clearance, filing complaints, booking a barangay facility, requesting for assistance, reporting a public concern, and getting updates from the Barangay Council. An AI chatbot is also available to answer common questions and provide forms.

The BIS in Bacayan was developed by Engr. Roderick D. Gabatin and was officially launched in March 2024. The system improves the efficiency of barangay officials and employees by allowing faster response to requests and complaints. It also eliminates the need for residents to physically go to the barangay hall to pick up their documents, making things more convenient.

Kel, a resident of Barangay Bacayan, experienced the benefits of the BIS firsthand. When her children needed a barangay clearance document, she was able to request it online, and the document was delivered to her home within minutes. Before the BIS was implemented, residents had to miss work and physically go to the barangay hall to get a barangay clearance, which was a significant inconvenience.

The proposed ordinance aims to introduce AI across various city services, allowing for voice commands on phones to access services like paying taxes. It also allows for cashless payments and lets people do business with City Hall online from anywhere, at any time, reducing face-to-face transactions. The ordinance is designed to make things more convenient and reduce corruption.

A QR code in the Bacayan barangay hall directs users to the BIS website, making it even easier for residents to access the digital services. With the Integrated City Digital Services Ordinance, Pepito's dream of making all government services accessible to the public is one step closer to reality.

Continuous Operation: Bacayan's Digital Overhaul Eliminates Bureaucratic Hurdles, Lengthy Delays