Makati dads swap laptops for iPad 2 tablets

MANILA, Philippines - As part of the Makati City government’s drive to go paperless, Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay has equipped members of the city council with iPad 2 tablets to replace their laptops.

Binay said the equipment upgrade is also part of the city government’s thrust for “e-governance” that was initiated in 2007 by then city mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Numerous trees are cut in different countries, including the Philippines, to meet the demand for paper by institutions and organizations,” he said.

“Floods, landslides and the erratic weather we have experienced are aggravated by the cutting of trees.”

Council members said the paperless program has greatly lessened the use of paper in documentation and transmission of information among members, and at the same time facilitated communication among them.

Councilor Arnold Magpantay said communiqués can be sent directly to council members.

“This process has informed the council members on important issues faster than when paper was used. It has made us do our work immediately and efficiently, and more easily, too,” he added.

Magpantay added that in the future, council members will most likely be using more of digital technology to participate in the sessions even if they are not physically present.