With the aim of delivering better public service, local government units (LGUs) face the challenge of adopting the latest and effective innovations and tools to achieve goals.
The municipality of Buhi in Camarines Sur sets an example of an LGU that uses technology for improved services. The municipal government has equipped itself with Epson’s WorkForce DS-4210, a sheetfed scanner that provides a range of productivity features at an entry-level price. The compact scanner has a built-in Automatic Document Feeder for fast and simple scanning.
Records from local government offices often include business permits, human resource documents, contracts, and other paperwork related to policy developments. In paper-based archiving, the staff must manually look through each of the cabinets to locate the files.
The scanner has improved the office’s document scanning and archiving activities. Files of the municipality are now stored in a server, freeing up space at the small office and centralizing all the records in a single platform. This has significantly improved the LGU’s paper-based filing method, to the advantage of both the municipal employees and the town residents.
“When we have clients, it would usually take some time to find the particular files that they need,” said Buhi LGU HR Officer Beethoven Nachor. “We just have too many documents. We thought of digitizing our records so that we now no longer need to search for specific files physically but through computers.”
By digitizing their records, documents are scanned and turned into easily searchable digital files. Whenever someone needs to find information, even the older documents, retrieving them can now be done simply with just a click, making transactions faster and less tedious.
Other LGUs nationwide should also consider adopting modern technology to streamline their processes and improve their services. Is your town or city hall employing the same strategy?