The Office of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cagayan headed by the Vice Governor Melvin K. Vargas together with the members of the Provincial Board successfully launches its first ever paperless session during the 39^th Regular Session, last April 19, 2023 at the SP Session Hall, Capitol Hills, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

With the goal of coping up with technical advancement, introducing cost-saving schemes, reducing paper waste and promoting a more environment-friendly approach to governance, the 11^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has institutionalized a paperless system in the conduct of its sessions. This implies that during sessions of the Provincial Board, all documents included in the Order and Calendar of Business shall be electronically converted and projected in the monitor of each Board Member and on a wide screen mounted on the wall of the Session Hall for viewing purposes of the visitors and guests in the gallery.

The system was initiated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat upon close coordination with the Assistant Secretary to the Sanggunian, Mr. Lysander G. Sibal, JD, who saw the need to modernize the legislative process and make it more ecofriendly. Mr. Sibal worked closely with the IT Section and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Staff to develop and look into a comprehensive system that would allow the Board to access and share documents electronically. They can also take notes and highlight important points, then share them with other members in real-time. In addition, the Members of the Board are now able to conduct their mobile session through a web-based system.

Moreover, the Office likewise established a Legislative Information System wherein all documents –including agenda, resolutions, ordinances, and other pertinent documents– are digitally stored and accessed any time using mobile or similar electronic devices. The adoption of this system will streamline legislative processes, allowing for faster delivery of the Sanggunian’s mandates and functions and will enable the Board and other designated personnel to work more productively and collaboratively.

Overall, the launch of the paperless session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Legislative Information System is expected to have significant benefit for the Provincial Government of Cagayan, its clientele and environment. By reducing the need for paper documents, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cagayan will be able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.  

“The paperless system is a game-changer for us legislators. It saves us a lot of time and effort, and it is good for the environment. We’re happy to be part of this initiative, and we look forward to more improvements and innovations in the future” said Vice Governor Melvin K. Vargas, Jr.

As the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cagayan moves ahead with its paperless systems, it is hoped that other government agencies will follow suit and embrace similar innovative strategies in their operations.