The Makati City government on Monday, May 6, was awarded with its Data Privacy Seal of Compliance by eBiZolution making it the very first local government unit (LGU) in the country to achieve the recognition.
(Photos from Makati LGU)
The award is in recognition of the city's adherence to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 which aims to protect personal data in information and communications systems, both in the government and the private sector.
The act also ensures that entities or organizations processing personal data establish policies and implement measures and procedures that guarantee the safety and security of personal data under their control or custody, thereby upholding an individual’s data privacy rights.
"This accomplishment is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of the Mayor - Information and Communication Technology Office (OM-ICTO) and the Law Department," the city government said.
"Makati has successfully met the National Privacy Commission's 32-Point Data Privacy Accountability and Compliance framework, effectively implemented its Privacy Management Program, and is committed to upholding the NPC's Five Pillars of Data Privacy Accountability and Compliance," it added.
The NPC's Five Pillars of Data Privacy Accountability and Compliance are the:
1. Appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
2. Conduct of privacy impact assessment (PIA)
3. Formulation of a privacy management program (PMP)
4. Execution of data privacy and protection measures
5. Preparation of data breach management protocols
"This certification underscores Makati's commitment to protecting personal information and the privacy rights of Proud Makatizens and all other stakeholders," the city noted.
As an active promoter of technology in improving quality public service to its residents, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay introduced the digitalization of Makatizens’ personnel documents such as Health Certificates and employed mobile data collection tools for Household Profiling. This way, the delivery of healthcare and other services has become more efficient, data-driven, targeted specifically for Makati’s residents.