Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez at the launching of the Sidlak City Digital Network Assets and Project VECTOR on Monday*
Victorias City continues to pioneer ICT innovations in Negros Occidental and Western Visayas Region with its launching of its Sidlak City Digital Network Assets and Project VECTOR at the Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center Monday, January 30.
“My vision is, Victorias City will be a city prepared and at the forefront of technology-driven local government in the region and the country…(and) that vision is starting now,” Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his speech.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo and Department of the Interior and Local Government – Region VI Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero joined the project launching and lauded Victorias for trailblazing various innovations in the city.
“I am happy to be here and part of the launching of the various digital-related programs of the City of Victorias, noteworthy are the programs under the Sidlak City Digital Network Assets which will streamline government processes, promote ease of doing business, and provide convenient ways to the citizens to access e-government services,” said Lamentillo, who assured that Victorias can partner with DICT in creating a strong, resilient, and inclusive digital city.
Lamentillo also pointed out that DICT considers the local government units as the main players in implementing DICT programs and empowering every Filipino.
“The thrust of the government is to ensure universal connectivity so that no Filipino is left behind and use ICT solutions to improve the delivery of public services,” she said.
Ingeniero said the DILG appreciates the driving force and creative energy of the Victorias local government and Benitez for pioneering various digital programs which will pave way for creating SMART cities.
SIDLAK CITY DNA
Sidlak City DNA or Digital Network Assets serves as the primary virtual ecosystem of the City of Victorias which links all aspects and layers of the LGU, a press release from Victorias said.
It covers the underlying digital technology layers of the infrastructure of the city such as the Document Security Seal, Document Tracking System, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and the One-Stop Citizens Mobile App with the Information Technology Business Solutions Corporation (ITBS).
Intelogram President Mark Llauder presented the overview of the Document Security Seal which incorporates the customized tamper-resistant and evident security seal labels.
Victorias City IT Consultant Jovic Dajay discussed the Document Tracking System and how it will optimize the city’s daily operations and prevent bureaucratic red tape.
The One-Stop Citizens Mobile App was explained by ITBS Marketing Director Raddy Diola and ITBS Operations Manager and Project Implementation Officer Lester Morfe. They explained the various functions of the SMART City App that will fully revolutionize and digitalize the City’s operations, businesses, and profiling.
It was also revealed during the project launching that Victorias City was hailed as the first LGU in Negros Occidental to satisfactorily deliver, install and implement HRIS as certified by the Landbank of the Philippines.
PROJECT VECTOR
The Project VECTOR or Victorias Emergency and Crisis Tactical Operation and Response anchors all disaster and response management-related information and communication system of the city, the press release also said.
It will be comprised of a state-of-the-art weather information and monitoring system of the city, an emergency and crises management education drive, and communication campaigns on risk mapping, mitigation, and response, it added.
The installation of CCTVs was discussed by Sidmax Technology Operations Manager Sharyn Empillo and Sidmax Technology Technical Engineer Jomari Dumancas.
On the early warning systems, JP Gallego from Smartguard Philippines Inc. presented an overview of the project implementation.
NEGROS ACE
Local chief executives from various cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental convened for the first regular meeting of Negros Association of Chief Executives hosted by Benitez.
The mayor presided over the meeting where future projects and plans for the association were discussed.
The city mayors then graced the project launching of Sidlak City DNA and Project VECTOR at the City Cultural Center with Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson.
In attendance were mayors Manuel Escalante III of Manapla, Joedith Gallego of Silay City, Ma. Gina Lizares of Sipalay City, Marvin Malacon of E.B. Magalona, Marilyn Era of Calatrava, Madonnah Jaojoco of Toboso, Irene Montilla of Isabela, Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Enrique Miravalles of Valladolid, Ella Garcia-Yulo of Moises Padilla, Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran, Lawrence Marxlen Dela Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto, Victor Gerardo Rojas of Murcia, Rex Jalando-on of La Carlota City, Jose Maria Alonso of Pontevedra, and Miguel Antonio Peña of Pulupundan.
City administrators and official representatives of Hinoba-an, Cauayan, and La Castellana were also present at the meeting and project launching.
Executive Director of iWave Marco Urera demonstrated and presented Starlink, a satellite internet constellation.
This device delivers high-speed satellite internet to remote areas. Its company advocates for providing universal access to the Internet, especially in far-flung regions of the world.
Benitez said the two projects, Sidlak City DNA and Project VECTOR, banner the dynamic governance and resilient community agenda of his administration. The programs will serve as a start for other development plans for Victorias City.
“Technology is inevitably part of the rapidly changing global interactions whether in business or in governance. For some, it is a big, distant dream and intimidating to take on, but we have to take it on, nonetheless,” he said.
The launching was also joined by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, City Councilors, City Administrator Lindolf De Castro, city department heads, and various technology providers and suppliers. *