The city government of San Carlos in Negros Occidental kicked off the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month observance at the City Hall lobby June 2, on the theme “Smart San Carlos: Innovating Today, Empowering Tomorrow”.
The celebration, led by the City Information and Communications Technology Department (CICTD), aims to promote digital transformation, encourage the adoption of innovative technologies, and raise public awareness on the role of information and communications technology in improving government services, enhancing connectivity, and empowering communities toward a smarter and more inclusive future.
CICTD officer-in-charge, Engr. Joseph Binghay, said the celebration reflects the city’s shared commitment to building a more connected, efficient, and digitally-empowered community, recognizing the strong collaboration of partner-agencies from both the public and private sectors.
He added that the kickoff serves as an opportunity to showcase the progress of the city’s digital transformation initiatives and the direction of its continuing efforts toward a more responsive, efficient, and innovative local government, with support from partners in the government, academe, and business sectors.
Binghay also presented key programs under Digital City San Carlos, including Vamos Cares, Tech4Ed Digital, the Social Services System (SocServe), and the San Carlos City Integrated Management System, as well as initiatives on cybersecurity and data privacy, digital events infrastructure, and the various awards the city has received.
Department of Information and Communications Technology regional director, Engr. Ramil Jeff Taboso, said that digitalization reflects a city’s progress, and hoped that in the coming years, San Carlos will evolve from a digitalized city into a full-fledged smart city, while commending the LGU for its ongoing digital transformation efforts.
He added that digital transformation is about people, creating opportunities, improving lives, and ensuring inclusive participation in a connected world.
City administrator, Atty. Estefanio Libutan Jr., said the celebration marks a decade of digital innovation that has transformed the way the local government delivers services to its constituents, noting the continued integration of technology in governance to provide faster, more efficient, and accessible public services.
He also recognized key digital initiatives, including the Tourism Directory, Tech4Ed Co-Working Spaces, the San Carlos Integrated Management System, and the Electronic Business One-Stop-Shop, which have improved communication, streamlined government processes, expanded access to information, and provided greater opportunities for learning, business, and community development.
Libutan stressed that being a smart city is not about recognition but about using technology to improve the daily lives of Sancarloseños, and he encouraged the continued use of innovation to strengthen public service and build a more progressive city.
Councilor Philip Gerard Maisog, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on ICT, said that this is a new era for San Carlos as the city embraces digital change.
Schools Division superintendent OIC Ma. Teresa Geroso, meanwhile, commended the city government for providing the Department of Education with gadgets, such as laptops and tablets, which enhance access to technology and support experiential learning.
She highlighted school exhibits as a reflection of innovative learning outcomes and expressed hope for continued collaboration to develop digitally-equipped learners.
A ceremonial ribbon-cutting and exhibit booth fair opening followed, led by Mayor Rene Gustilo, City Vice Mayor Christopher Paul Carmona, Libutan Jr., Binghay, SP members, and partner stakeholders.
The invaluable contributions of partner-agencies and stakeholders were also recognized during the kickoff program, and they were awarded certificates and tokens of appreciation for their continued support in advancing the city’s digital transformation initiatives. ||
