Tayabas City invests in Technology with new digital services

By Nimfa Estrellado Senators Bam Aquino, Atty. Chel Diokno, Kiko Pangilinan along with Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso along with...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Senators Bam Aquino, Atty. Chel Diokno, Kiko Pangilinan along with Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso along with barangay officials during the launch of the three event projects aimed at enhancing digital innovation for more efficient government service delivery in Tayabas City on July 17, 2024. (Photo from Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso)

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - To enhance data management and optimize governance, Tayabas City unveiled its Integrated Barangay Civil Registration Information System (BCRIS) on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative, backed by the Good Governance through Data Science and Decision Support System (GODDESS) program, aims to streamline data collection, improve accuracy, and enable data-driven decision-making across the city’s 66 barangays.

Tayabas City has emerged as a pioneering Local Government Unit (LGU) in digital governance, demonstrating a strong commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its citizens. The city's early adoption of free Wi-Fi across all barangays has laid a solid foundation for digital initiatives such as the Business Registry and Information System (BCRIS).



It's commitment to digital progress during the "Digital Tayabas City Day" celebration was highlighted by the unveiling of iBCRIS and the launch of multiple initiatives. Esteemed guests Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, along with Atty. Chel Diokno joined the city in marking this pivotal step towards digital transformation.

To enhance digital services, Tayabas City forged partnerships with GCash and Landbank through signed Memorandums of Agreement. The city also expanded internet accessibility with the rollout of Tayabas Free Public WiFi Phase 2. These initiatives, collectively known as "Unveiling the Digital Transformation of the City of Tayabas," signify the city's dedication to technological advancement and improved public services.

Tayabas Free Public WiFi Phase 2 has also launched, providing residents and visitors with free internet access in key areas of the city. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in Tayabas City's journey towards becoming a smart city.

Beyond the iBCRIS, Tayabas City has been actively transforming its operations and service delivery through various digitalization projects. These include establishing community e-centers for accessible ICT services, implementing the Tayabazen digital platform for streamlined citizen engagement, promoting cashless transactions through digital payment schemes, and offering online platforms for efficient government service delivery.

Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso expressed her enthusiasm for the newly launched projects, stating, " These projects will greatly improve the efficiency and accessibility of our city's services, benefiting all residents and visitors alike. The city government is committed to further embracing digital innovation to enhance the overall quality of life in Tayabas City."

Pontioso also emphasized the importance of adapting to the digital age in order to keep up with the evolving needs and demands of the community. The successful launch of these projects signifies Tayabas City's commitment to progress and innovation.

Local government units (LGUs) heavily rely on barangays for accurate and timely data. To address this, the City Civil Registry of Tayabas City has developed a comprehensive demographic survey to be conducted in each barangay. This initiative is mandated by City Ordinance #21-24, which establishes the Barangay Civil Registration System (BCRS) and outlines the responsibilities of local officials.

Initially, data will be collected manually by barangay officials using a dedicated household questionnaire. However, challenges with the existing, outdated BCRS system provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority have prompted the city to explore alternative solutions. To bridge this gap, the city is employing spreadsheet tools like Excel for data entry and database creation, while also planning to equip all 66 barangays with laptops for regular data updates.

Recognizing the potential for data inconsistencies, the iBCRIS aims to establish a centralized data storage system for each barangay. This will facilitate situational analysis, enabling data-driven program planning and implementation.

The iBCRIS project is funded by the GODDESS program, which supports various government agencies, LGUs, academic institutions, and MSMEs with technology solutions. Since December 2023, GODDESS has invested P29.99 million in 22 projects, with 11 already completed.

iBCRIS Project Leader Dr. Raymond Bermudez expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We envision a Tayabas City where data is a powerful tool for improving the lives of our citizens. The BCRIS will provide us with the foundation for more informed decision-making, leading to more efficient and effective service delivery."

Addressing concerns about data security, Bermudez assured the public that robust measures are in place to protect sensitive information. "Data privacy and security are paramount in this project," they emphasized. "We have implemented stringent protocols, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to safeguard the collected data."

Bermudez also highlighted the potential of the BCRIS to improve public services. "By having accurate and up-to-date data, we can identify areas with specific needs and tailor our programs accordingly," they explained. "For instance, we can target health services to barangays with high infant mortality rates or provide educational support to areas with low literacy rates."

The City Registrar Officer, Maide Jader emphasized the importance of data quality and consistency. "she stated, "Clean and reliable data is essential for accurate analysis and informed decision-making. We are committed to implementing rigorous data validation and cleaning processes to ensure the highest quality data for the BCRIS."

She further added, "The BCRIS will not only improve data management but also enhance data utilization. We will develop tools and dashboards to visualize data trends and patterns, making it easier for policymakers and program managers to make data-driven decisions."

Jader also mentioned plans for capacity building among barangay officials. "[They] said, "We recognize the importance of data literacy among our barangay personnel. We will conduct training sessions to equip them with the necessary skills to collect, manage, and utilize data effectively."

Meanwhile, the Chief HRIDD, Dr. Ruby Raferta, expressed confidence in the BCRIS's potential to streamline operations. "This system will not only improve data management but also enhance the efficiency of various city services. By integrating data from different departments, we can identify overlaps, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately improve service delivery." she said.

Raferta further added, "The iBCRIS is a crucial step towards building a smart city. By leveraging data analytics, we can identify emerging trends, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions to address the needs of our citizens."

She also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in protecting the city's data infrastructure. "We are investing in advanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard the BCRIS and other critical systems from cyber threats. Protecting our citizens' data is a top priority." she said.

By harnessing the power of data, Tayabas City anticipates significant improvements in service delivery, resource allocation, and overall governance. The city's commitment to technology and free Wi-Fi access has positioned it as a leader in digital governance, and the iBCRIS is a testament to this forward-thinking approach.