Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and other city officials are currently in China to learn best practices such as on environmental protection, upgrade the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system here to full range capacity, and meet with Chinese government officials.

City Public Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo confirmed they departed on Wednesday as previously announced by the mayor.

Remollo said early this week that he wanted some additional features for the CCTV system, such as facial recognition of visitors as soon as they set foot in Dumaguete through the ports and the airport.

Another aspect of enhancement is in the matter of night vision capabilities of the CCTV cameras and to explore the possibility of penetrating heavily-tinted cars as well as helmets with dark visors.

Demecillo, who is part of the mayor’s entourage, said the visit is sanctioned by the Chinese government.

“To learn and be exposed to the latest and full range of intelligent security solutions available in China including Traffic Light System, Command Center/Monitoring and the possible upgrade of the newly installed CCTV system in the city,” he said.

The members of the delegation include Councilors Joe Kenneth Arbas, Michael Bandal, Edgar Lentorio and Dione Amores, Assistant City Administrator, Dr. Dinno Depositario, and City Legal Officer Manuel Arbon.

They are also expected to meet with Chinese government officials to exchange best practices in governance, education, environmental protection, cultural exchange, and sports tourism, Demecillo said.

He said that while the travel is authorized, Mayor Remollo made sure that no government funds or money will be spent or used in the trip.

The Dumaguete officials will be returning on Dec. 2. (PNA)