The Mandaluyong City local government launched the country's first barangay mobile app as part of its efforts to further improve its public service capabilities.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Abalos, together with Barangay Namayan Chairman Victor Emmanuel "Dondon" Francisco, led the launch at the City Hall Executive Building of the 1Namayan mobile app that aims to bring public service to its residents faster, more convenient, and safer held.
Abalos said the creation of the mobile app was made to speed up the delivery of public service at the barangay level amid the ongoing pandemic.
Consulting with barangay officials, the mayor chose Barangay Namayan as the pilot test area for the project since it already has an operational website (www.1namayan.com) and barangay residents identification card (BRIC) with debit card features which can be easily integrated to a digital service application.
"The goal of developing a project such as this is because we have to embrace the new normal brought by this pandemic," Abalos explained.
"Many people are using mobile phones now to conduct various transactions and it includes availing of government services," he added.
Francisco said that other than making it easy for residents to avail of basic services of the barangay, the 1Namayan app also serves as a portal for reporting emergency situations, like request for ambulance and first aid, and filing of complaints, reporting of accidents, altercations, and street crimes (gambling, drugs, etc) from residents with anonymity.
Abalos said he hopes that other barangays will be encouraged by the success of Barangay Namayan in digitizing their services to the public.
"The Namayan app is localized and can be customized based on the needs of a particular barangay. Should other barangays develop a similar app, we'll look into the commonalities of each and then create a new app that is fit for a citywide implementation and eventually make the delivery of the city government's basic services faster and safer," Abalos said.
"What we are also proud of this app is a team composed of Barangay Namayan residents are behind this whole project. The city is very proud and thankful for their dedication to serve our constituents using digital technology," he added.
The 1Namayan mobile app is free to download at the official website of the barangay www.1namyan.com.