Makati City, one of the premier business districts in the country, has chosen Cisco products services in bolstering its technological capabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The local government unit (LGU) has been using Cisco Webex, Webex Suite, and Cisco’s Connected Learning Solution to ensure continuity of operations and as preparation for the new normal.

“There have been digital innovations that we introduced as early as 2017 and it seems that the pandemic has catapulted the need to embrace technology,” said Makati Mayor Abby Binay.

Makati City acquired several solutions to strengthen its ability to support the evolving needs of Makati residents and businesses, especially during the lockdowns.

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“There has never been more urgency for institutions to deliver digital-first services for their citizens,” Cisco Philippines Managing Director Karrie Ilagan underscored. “And Makati has been at the forefront of that since the early stages of the pandemic.”

Cisco Webex Suite

At the onset of the pandemic, Makati City invested in the Cisco Webex Suite, a software application that combines tools across meetings, calling, messaging, events, and polling. This enabled the local government’s offices to continue with their operations ensuring that the health and safety of the workers.

The city also acquired Cisco Konektado, a communication solution designed for disaster preparedness and mitigation. Complete with routers, switches, IP Phones, and a generator that can turn any location into a disaster command center, the solution will be used in collaboration with Makati City’s existing fiber optics. Cisco’s Konektado will also serve as a backup in case of a disaster, according to the mayor.

To guide the academe with blended learning, the city will also install Cisco’s Connected Learning Solution, a portable connectivity tool comprising routers, cameras, and modems, which will enable public schools to conduct classes remotely and to create online-friendly modules.

Cisco Meraki Vaccine Distribution Program

As the local government awaits the arrival of the one million AstraZeneca jabs that were ordered earlier this year, the necessary technology is already in place to ensure smooth distribution. Mayo

Acquiring the Cisco Meraki Vaccine Distribution Program solution is in anticipation of the volume of vaccines that the Makati City will be receiving. The Cisco Meraki Vaccine Distribution Program is a suite of smart technology including temperature and humidity sensors, door open/close sensors, sensor cameras, wireless access points, and other networking devices that will help monitor, control, and regulate vaccine deployment.

“To be digitally resilient, we need to have the right digital infrastructure in place that is flexible, agile, and innovative so we can have services delivered digitally,” Ilagan said.