Baguio boosts digital governance through new app

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City is advancing its digital governance through the launch of the Baguio In My Pocket Plus (BIMP+) application and the continued expansion of its Open Data Portal.

In a recent meeting, the Management Information and Technology Division (MITD) introduced BIMP+ as an upgraded, in-house version of the original city app. This platform aims to centralize public services and provide residents with easier access to government information and transparency tools.

The Open Data Portal serves as a primary resource for information on infrastructure projects, budget allocations, health statistics, and traffic data. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated that the initiative is designed to promote accountability and encourage evidence-based planning. By making this data accessible, the city government intends to foster greater civic participation among residents, developers, and local innovators.

According to MITD Head Francis Camarao, BIMP+ functions as a two-way communication channel between the city government and the public. The app integrates several existing systems, including the Baguio Medical Record System (BMRS) and the Sangguniang Panlungsod Legislative Management System (SPLMS). It also features tools for civic engagement, such as virtual town halls and public forums, allowing users to interact directly with local officials.

Beyond administrative data, the application includes practical safety and financial features. Users can report emergencies to 911 with GPS locations and photo uploads, check real-time traffic updates, and use a lost-and-found network. The app also facilitates digital financial transactions, enabling residents to manage business permits and property taxes through a digital citizen ID equipped with a dynamic QR code.

The BIMP+ application is designed to be inclusive for residents, tourists, and visitors. It is currently available for download on Google Play, with an Apple App Store version expected in the near future. City officials noted that this digital transition is a key step in their smart governance strategy, combining service delivery with transparency and public safety in a single mobile platform.