Nearly 10,000 city hall employees on Monday received free face masks and face shields from the Makati government as part of efforts amid the shift to the “new normal.”
Mayor Abigail Binay said each city hall employee, whether regular, casual, contractual, or job order, is provided with protective equipment that they can use while delivering public service to residents amid the pandemic.
“Giving our employees free face masks and face shields [is] one way of ensuring their safety from contracting the disease and preventing its spread in the workplace,” said Binay, adding that the measure could also prevent local transmission of the disease between city hall workers and the residents.
“We, therefore, encourage our employees to always wear them for their protection and those of their co-workers too,” she added.
Digital innovation award
On the other hand, Makati’s digitized Covid-19 initiatives have bagged an international award.
Binay said the city government won a bronze award under the efficient government category of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) Awards 2020.
“Makati has always been proud of its vision to become a smart and digital city. It was an honor to represent our country and showcase our achievements in digital innovation and social services in an international event,” Binay said.
The other categories were emerging technology, mobility, open and inclusive city, safe city, and sustainable city.
Binay said the city was supposed to host the WeGO General Assembly this year, but it was canceled due to the pandemic.
Makati is set to be awarded during the WeGO Virtual Executive Committee meeting on Nov. 17.
WeGO Awards has been recognizing smart initiatives that improve citizens’ quality of life and centering on innovative delivery of public services and strengthening regional competitiveness since it was established in 2011.
During the ‘WeGO smart health responder webinar’ on May 29, Binay showcased the city’s Covid-19 responses as she highlighted the establishment of the city’s Makatizen card and the Makatizen application used for the automated distribution of financial assistance to about 500,000 Makati residents.
Makati City is the country’s sole finalist at the World Smart Cities Awards. (PNA)
