RRSS News Online Newspaper ng mga Pinoy
A top-official from Malabon City has showcased the city’s best practices in digital governance at an international conference in Fukuoka, Japan.
Dr. Alexander T. Rosete has emphasized that a “smart city” is not defined solely by advance technologies but by how effectively these innovations improve the lives of citizens.
The real challenge, he said, in developing cities like Malabon lies in ensuring that digital solutions are people-centered, inclusive and responsive.
Dr. Rosete has delivered his presentation, “Digitalizing Governance: Implementing a SMART City Framework for Enhanced Public Services and Citizen Engagement in Malabon” at the 17th International E-Education, E-Business, E-Management, and E-Learning.
In his presentation, he highlighted how the integration of technology has strengthened the delivery of essential services in the city.
“Around the world, cities are rapidly transforming through digital technologies. SMART cities use ICT and IoT to improve services and efficiency. But more than systems or infrastructure, SMART cities are about people.”
The top official added, “Their success depends on how well they improve everyday life – making services faster, more transparent, and more accessible.”
Dr. Rosete emphasized on several key innovations of the city including the Malabon Ahon Blue Card (MABC), Burial and Hospitalization Assistance, Eskwela Savings Project, MABC for Working students, and MABC para sa Kababaihan.
Also featured as the MALABON AHON 24/7 Alert Application (helpful in emergency situations), Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (EBOSS) system), and the city’s implementation of the Procurement and Inventory Management System (PIMS).
The city administrator has recommended stronger digital literacy, expanding infrastructure for inclusive access, enhancing citizen feedback mechanisms, and building organizational capacity across government sectors.
He acknowledged several challenges such as digital literacy, security and privacy but said the growing willingness of the citizens to engage with digital platforms is promising.
“A smart city is not defined by how advanced its technology is, but by how well it improves the lives of its citizens.”
Sources: Manila Standard, Manila Times, Malaya, PIA
