Tawi-tawi government center goes digital
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro government has launched the digital governance center in Bongao, the provincial capital of Tawi-Tawi, to improve access to government services among island provinces in the region.
Equipped with computers, internet connectivity and power generators, the facility can process business permits, civil registry applications and requests, local tourism services, vehicle operator’s permits and building permits in island communities.
The digital governance center in Bongao is only one of the six such facilities established in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by the region’s Ministry of Local Government (MILG) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The other centers are in the towns of Marantao, Piagapo and Butig in Lanao del Sur; Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte; and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur.
The initiative forms part of the Localizing e-Governance for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) program being implemented by the MILG and UNDP.
One-stop hub
The digital center at the Bongao municipal hall is the first on the island province of Tawi-Tawi, part of the Bangsamoro government’s commitment to expand the reach of e-governance to far flung communities.
The digital center is designed as a one-stop hub for public e-services, providing residents with easier access to government transactions such as permits, business applications, civil registry requests and tourism-related services.
“This milestone reflects our shared vision and citizen-centered governance,” said Jiamel B Abdullah, chief of the MILG Information Systems and Technology Management Division.
“Through LeAPS, we are ensuring that every Bangsamoro – whether from the mainland or the islands – benefits from faster, more transparent, and efficient service delivery,” he added.
Mary Ann Lim Abdulmonaf, Bongao municipal administrator, said the facility had been a “long time dream” of the people of Bongao.
Abdulmonaf said the program should be integrated into the annual budget of the local government unit to ensure its continued operation and service delivery.
“With online services already available, we can serve our constituents better,” said Gulamhasan A Sappayani, MILG-Tawi-Tawi provincial director.
He said it marked another step in BARMM to bring governance closer to the people.
