A LOT OF people are going crazy because the pandemic has forced most of them to stay in their homes. Many are suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress from being locked up. Worse, paying bills and other transactions can be a hassle since you must go out and pray that you won’t get sick. Fortunately, one city has solved that problem to make things convenient and keep its citizenry healthy.
To enable people to go about their business from the safety and comfort of their homes, the City of Paranaque has tapped leading software solutions company Multisys Technologies Corporation to boost its online services amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Going online for safety
This is in line with City Ordinance Number 2020-05 or the Electronic and Online Payment Collection System. Among others, the system aims to provide Paranaque residents and businesses cashless, contactless, and paperless transactions with the city local government unit (LGU).
Paranaque citizens and enterprises can now settle their business taxes online at their homes or offices through the Paranaque Business Permits and Licensing System. In the coming months, payments for real property tax, local civil registry, community tax certificate (CEDULA), clearances, health certificates, and other government pre-requisites will also be available.
The city has also fortified its No Contact Apprehension Site, which will soon include various online payment options for motorists with a Notice of Violation (NOV). Motorists only need to type in their plate number or conduction sticker to check for possible traffic violations. The actual NOV will be delivered and the violator has the option to pay fees online through the “Multipay” E-payment facility.
Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said that the LGU is also planning to put up kiosk machines in designated areas at the city hall and various government offices like barangay halls and private establishments. He added that the LGU is undertaking this initiative to make payment transactions safer, more convenient, and accessible.
Avoiding imminent dangers
“One of our top priorities this year is to transition citizen and government transactions online, not only because of the imminent dangers out there due to the pandemic, but because we believe that we must adapt to the changing times, do things efficiently, save money, and provide convenience. We hope that our constituents will use these technologies,” Olivarez said.
In the past, MultiSys has shown its expertise in transforming various cities and municipalities into a smart cities. This flagship program was launched in 2019 to help LGUs and government agencies provide convenient and efficient online services for everyone. It is set to roll out similar technologies to over 50 LGUs nationwide.
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National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George N. True II has written two bestsellers based on his popular column which has been running for almost 40 years. For questions about health, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com./PN
