Garcia: Digital shift is better

Although he welcomes the initial introduction of the “Sleepless City Hall” by the incoming administration, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia admitted they had also considered the same idea but found that a digital application would be a better alternative.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo Staff Member

"Well, I hope that it would be successful, that is my wish," said Garcia when asked for his opinion on the plan to implement a “Sleepless City Hall,” which aims to operate 24 hours—a program that allows the working class to process necessary documents in the evening.

While expressing hope for its success, Garcia added that he would also like to see other government agencies replicate the envisioned 24-hour system.

According to him, such replication would expand the reach of services the public can access.

Garcia explained that City Hall’s services are limited to acquiring a health card, a cedula, among others.

He added that many crucial requirements individuals need can only be obtained from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), and other important agencies.

Despite these hopes, Garcia admitted that during his one-year term as mayor, they considered implementing such a scheme through a digital application.

"Not necessarily nga we have to open in the evening or in the wee hours in the morning." said Garcia.