MONTALBAN, Rizal (PIA) –  To speed up government transactions, the local government of Montalban, Rizal launched a new ticketing system of communication that aims to implement paperless transactions and eliminate long queues.

Montalban Mayor General Ronnie S. Evangelista proudly shared that the new system is their brainchild, wherein all communications between different departments and offices can be seen to monitor processes and track each transaction’s status.

Evangelista explained: “All communications between departments and different offices of the local government are visible here. So you can see how long that document has been in process. You can also see who processed it, who received it, so we can avoid blaming. Through this ticketing system you can see which office isn’t working, you can see which office quickly sends communication.”

Aside from the efficient communication it contributes to offices, the ticketing system also serves as an effective tool for management and espouses transparent public service.

Although it does not guarantee 100 percent paperless government transactions, the local chief executive expects that it can reduce paper consumption, which may also help save government funds and properly record ongoing processes and transactions.

He added: “We have a dashboard here in my office. I can see the flow of communication. It is very good too, because this is an effective management tool and very easy to use. However, we cannot really do paperless transactions due to our other services, those papers are still there. This one is for monitoring and efficient disposition of function, that is why we are implementing this ticketing system.”

John Helboy Ozarraga, staff at the Montalban Information Technology Office (MITO) reiterated that the ticketing system is vital in managing the daily flow of documents in the local government. Apart from its use as communication, employees utilize the platform to store pictures, letters, and other documents.

“We noticed here in the municipality that all papers, especially those related to requests are being stored even if we don’t use them, so MITO, with the help of our consultant, created a ticketing system for storing all of this data. Not just the physical paper but all transactions are now online,” Ozzaraga stated.

To bring government services closer to the citizens, the local government also launched the Bagong Montalban application, which was conceptualized according to the three basic values of the current administration.

“Our governance and administration are anchored on the three basic values: transparency, participative, and consultative. That’s what we want to happen and with the Bagong Montalban app, our fellow citizens can see our ongoing programs, updates, and other relevant events. And from the app, they can also communicate, participate, and comment on their suggestions or messages for us,” Evangelista said.

App features include easier access for requesting and accessing various government services including the municipality’s tourism, employment, health, and emergency services.

Amidst the town’s digitization efforts, Evangelista stated that the Montalban is open to interested local governments who want to benchmark the LGU’s best practices in digitalization initiatives. (CO/PIA-4A)