The city government of Makati on Monday entered into public-private partnership contracts in line with its five landmark digital projects, including the installation of free public Wi-Fi connections for city residents.
A Fiber Optic Loop project, which will establish the free Wi-Fi system, is set to be completed in 27 barangays, excluding the six villages inside the city, by the end of December this year.”©
Another PPP contract scheduled for completion within the year involves the installation of mobile signal boosters to strengthen cellular and internet connectivity for the benefit of residents and transients in the city.
Mayor Abigail Binay led the signing of the contracts, which are expected to hasten the implementation of key programs aimed at expanding access to digital technology all over the city.”©
The other digital PPP projects are: the Makatizen card promoting e-currency and online payment; the citywide towing, impounding and clamping program that will allow online payment; and e-Payment at Jollijeeps using the Makatizen card.”©
The contract signing took place at the Lakan Tagkan Conference Room at Makati City Hall Building I between city government officials headed by Binay and representatives of the private companies.
Binay said the contract signing signifies the city’s commitment to provide the best features of today’s advanced technology to the city’s residents, guests, and business partners. She added that these projects will serve as the cornerstone of Makati’s goal to become a true “Smart City.”
“These five projects are just the first of many digital transformation programs, which will further improve the technology we already have in Makati. We are tapping industry leaders from the private sector to speed up the implementation of these projects,” Binay said.”©
The mayor said the city government and its partners have laid out plans that will ensure that the projects will really make a difference in the daily lives of residents.
The Fiber Optic Loop project will be accomplished in partnership with Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc and Neo Tech Asia Distribution, Inc.
To be known as the Makati City Public Wi-Fi System, it relies heavily on fiber optic cable infrastructure to deliver managed internet services to Makati’s constituents.
Under Makati’s E-Government banner, the project intends to enhance the delivery of frontline services and transactions, improve internal and government processes to ensure greater transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in its operations, and allow easier and wider public access to government information and services.
The private contractor will install the fiber optic cable in and around the city as well as provide the internet bandwidth that will be required in connection with the MyMakati Wi-Fi service. The free internet service will be available to students, guests, and transients for a fixed period every day.”©
Following its initial launch last May 30 with partners G-xchange and iBayad Online Ventures, Inc., the Makatizen Universal Card System will now be rolled out to the city’s 33 barangays to provide over 500,000 residents better access to city government services.
Along with city government employees, residents can receive cash allowances, stipends, and other cash benefits using their Makatizen Card. They can also use their cards to pay fees and taxes, as well as for personal remittances and other financial transactions.
The city government has also teamed up with Aim Technologies Inc. and Market Research Knowledge Technology Inc. for the project on Mobile signal boosters to strengthen cellular and internet connectivity, which will make use of existing Makati City-owned lamp posts and structures for installing and maintaining telecommunications equipment and public information structures.
It aims to provide better cellular phone service and public information messages to residents and transients.”©
Through its partnership with Tokagawa Global Corporation, Makati aims to ease daily heavy traffic caused by illegally parked vehicles, stalled vehicles and those involved in vehicular accidents.
The private proponent shall provide all the towing vehicles and accessories, clamping materials, impounding area and manpower at no cost to the city. The digital aspect of the program includes provisions for online payment of fees and penalties for the convenience of drivers and vehicle owners.”©
Meanwhile, the city government has revitalized its existing partnership with Metro Stores for the provision of additional “Jollijeep” food stalls or mobile canteens as an alternative to sidewalk vendors and the acceptance of e-payment using the Makatizen Card.
The private contractor will monitor and manage the new and improved mobile food stalls to ensure their strict compliance with City Ordinance 2002-007 with respect to sanitation, safety and functionality.”©”©
The Makatizen Card was the city’s first digital PPP project and affirmed Binay’s belief that PPPs are the best way to bring about digital transformation in Makati and other localities. She said earlier that Makati recognizes the indispensable role of such a partnership in revolutionizing the way government serves its people. “©”©