The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here will soon be digitalized as the less paper session system was passed on its third and final council hearing, an official said Wednesday.

In an interview, Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar said the digital system will speed up the crafting of local policies while simultaneously reducing the amount of paper used in regular sessions.

Full digitalization is expected early next year after the procurement of necessary devices and computer systems, Militar, the Information Technology Committee chairperson, said.

Militar, who is also the principal author of the Less Paper System Ordinance, said the initiative is in line with the local government’s thrust towards digitalization and automation of transactions to deliver services faster and more convenient for the public.

“Before, the City Council relied on traditional style which is more on paper. Every session, the SP produced almost 70 reams of paper. This will be lessened into five reams,” he said.

Militar said digitalization means that no paper will be used to record committee reports, file attachments, and other documents used during council sessions.

To fully implement the system, the SP’s Legislative Information Support System (LISS) will be given additional features such as cloud storage, a next-generation firewall, and appropriate hardware and software systems.

Militar also assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent data breaches.

The public can access the LISS cloud storage to review session reports. (PNA)