The Provincial Board (PB) has urged all local government units (LGUs) in the province to create their own Information and Communications Technology (ICT) councils.
In a resolution it approved Tuesday, the PB said ICT councils can help the LGUs provide fast and easy licensing and permitting processes to the residents.
Board Member Clarito Demaala IV said the ICT councils will be an avenue for residents to connect to the digital community.
“Kailangan na maging align tayo ng ganito… para maging align sa technology. Para na din siyang department na bubuohin ng bawat municipal government. All municipalities are urged to adopt the provincial resolution and to create their own ICT councils,” Demaala said.
The resolution also said that the creation of local ICT council is based on Ordinance No. 2073.
Board Member Albert Rama, author of the ordinance, earlier said the ICT councils will work to intensify local governance by delivering “a people-centric and transparent government through digital technology.”
The council will also formulate ideas to improve government services such as revenue generation, education, agriculture by using the maximum advantage of digital services.
“Yong pag-take advantage ng digital technology now has a vital role sa development. Sabi nga it’s a great equalizer sa panahon na ito. Ang problema lang masyadong malawak pa ang ating digital divide kasi kulang pa ang mga infrastructures natin. But we will see,” Rama said.
The ICT Councils is also expected to lead the development of solutions and innovations to meet the challenges of development in the present and the future.
The Provincial ICT Council is conducting consultations to discuss proposed policies.
