IN A bid to promote Bacolod as a “smart city,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia, through the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), has adopted a new payment scheme for seamless Business Permit and Real Property Tax (RPT) transactions.Leonardia said the City Government has partnered with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for its novel internet payment gateway for government institutions that will allow online transactions using a taxpayer’s valid debit, credit or other prepaid cards.The new payment system, he added, also follows “new normal” protocols that encourage contactless transactions, as well as one of the city’s flagship programs that aim to introduce sustainable development and next-generation government services to its constituents.”We have placed Bacolod on the map once again. Our new online payment is one of the first in Negros Occidental and this only the beginning,” Leonardia said.He added, “rest assured that we will continue to adopt new ways and technology to make transactions hassle-free and make living in Bacolod easier, faster and more progressive.”Meanwhile, newly appointed City Treasurer Arlene Memoria said the City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Leonardia to sign the E-Merchant Agreement between the City and DBP represented by Cash Management and Transaction Banking head Ricardo Josel Bandal II.The CTO will look to tap other payment methods such as GCash and PayMaya, as well as non-banking financial institutions soon, she added. (PR)