The city’s digital future is being secured.
Councilor Paolo Salvosa filed a proposed ordinance which aims to enhance citizen engagement and participatory governance with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among other digital technologies.
Salvosa said “As part of its vision to become a smart city, Baguio aims to leverage innovative digital tools, including AI, to improve public engagement, streamline government services, and inform evidence-based policy-making.”
The proposal aims to development of searchable public databases for ordinances, issuances, and proposed legislation using technology to access and process information.
The law is approved will likewise prioritize local residents’ voices in decision-making through technology-based residency verification mechanisms, dedicated resident-only forums, to ensure local concerns will steer policies in government.
The ordinance also promotes the AI in public consultations to identify consensus points, process public input and sentiment analysis.
Salvosa said “By establishing a robust, ethical, and secure framework for digital participatory governance, this ordinance positions Baguio City to be a leader in innovative governance. It ensures that the use of digital technologies remains human-centered.”
Provisions for the guiding principles in the proposed law includes a human-centered approach with an encouraged use of Innovation and Prototyping and ensures free and ease of use for the public.
Under the proposal, the city government shall develop and implement digital tools, like a searchable public database of ordinances and issuances, including proposals. Online platforms for public consultations, including the use of AI, chatbots and other digital technologies for enhancing public engagement, including data analytics for sentiment analysis to support evidence-based policy-making. As well as measures to make technologies accessible to residents with disabilities or those with limited digital literacy or technology access.
The proposed law, “Enhancing Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance Through the Institutional Use of Digital Technologies, was approved on its 1st reading during the July 21 city council session. Maria Elena Catajan