By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is gearing up for a major shift toward modern governance as it moves to digitalize its legislative processes and institutionalize the livestreaming of council sessions, following the approval on first reading of a proposed ordinance pushing for full e-governance adoption.
Authored by Councilor Em Ang, the measure seeks to streamline the council’s internal operations, reduce reliance on paper-based workflows and improve coordination across city departments.
Ang said the move reflects Bacolod’s broader push toward sustainable, tech-driven public service.
“This ordinance is part of our commitment to efficient and sustainable governance through digital transformation,” Ang said.
“Digitizing our systems allows quicker access to records, reduces paper consumption and enhances interoffice coordination,” she added.
Livestreaming sessions to be formalized
While the SP has been livestreaming its regular and special sessions for more than four years, Ang emphasized the need to formalize the practice through legislation.
“It’s time we institutionalize livestreaming so it can be properly funded and handled by trained personnel,” she said.
“Broadcasting legislative proceedings is sensitive and requires proper equipment and compliance with our laws, especially on data privacy,” she added.
The ordinance mandates the SP, in coordination with the Public Information Office, to supervise the livestream operations — from ensuring video quality and accessibility to safeguarding data privacy and information security.
During a public hearing, stakeholders proposed specialized training for technical staff who will manage the transition to digital operations.
City officials said the initiative will widen public access to government proceedings, strengthen accountability and modernize the legislative system.
The proposed ordinance reinforces the city government’s push to integrate technology into governance, making Bacolod one of the localities in the Negros Island Region steadily advancing toward full digital transparency.
The measure now moves forward for committee deliberation and further readings./CJ, WDJ