VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — Residents of various upland towns in Ilocos Sur can now access government services more quickly and conveniently through the electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) system implemented by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
The DICT officially launched the eLGU system in Alilem town on Feb. 25, in Quirino on Feb. 26, and in Suyo on March 6, with onboarding activities and training for LGU employees to familiarize them with the system and ensure its effective implementation.
With the eLGU system’s rollout, essential services such as business permits and licensing, local tax processing, civil registration, real property tax, barangay clearance, and information dissemination are now just a few clicks away through the eGov PH (e-Government Philippines) app.
Jun Ibbay, Information System Analyst III of the DICT-Ilocos Sur, said that the DICT has identified 10 LGUs in the province based on recommendations from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Most of the identified LGUs are upland municipalities that face challenges in accessing stable and fast internet connections, making them a priority for the system’s implementation.
“The eLGU system package also includes a six-month free internet connection, and the DICT also implements the Free Wi-Fi For All program. For the three municipalities that are now utilizing the eLGU system, we have installed free Wi-Fi in their municipal plaza, barangay halls, rural health units, and some public schools,” he said.
Completing the list of 10 priority LGUs schedule for the rollout of the eLGU system rollout this year are San Emilio, Gregorio del Pilar, Galimuyod, Cervantes, Santa Catalina, Nagbukel, and Sugpon.
In addition to these LGUs, Ibbay mentioned that Burgos, Santa Cruz, and Sigay are being considered for future implementation of the system.
Lorma Panduyos, Quirino Municipal Civil Registrar, said that after attending the DICT training, she realized the eLGU system’s potential to transform their office operations.
“What I find most beneficial about the eLGU system is that our clients no longer need to visit our office in person to apply for, request, or obtain copies of civil registry documents. They can now do it all online through eLGU,” she said.
Meanwhile, Analiza Gayad, the Business Permit and Licensing Designate, acknowledged that moving to digital services can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with technology. However, she believes that with the right training provided by the DICT, the eLGU system will make transactions smoother, faster, and more efficient for everyone.
Ibbay also assured DICT’s continued support in assisting LGUs with the efficient implementation of the system by conducting training for residents and distributing manuals to help them understand how the system works.
With the efforts of the DICT and local governments, Ilocos Sur LGUs are gradually transitioning to digital services, creating a more connected and empowered community. (CCMT/JMCQ/RAA, PIA Ilocos Sur)
