Packed with the aspiration to bring better governance to their respective localities, mayors and other local government unit staff attended the University of the Asia and Pacific Center for Research and Communication’s Second Forum on Local Government entitled “Reimagining Local Governance: Digital Transformation for Local Development” Wednesday afternoon.

Quezon City Administrator Michael Victor Alimurung, GCash Vice President and Head of Public Sector Cleo Celeste Santos, and Khan Academy Philippines Executive Director Maria Denise Gabrielle Fabella spearheaded the discussion on the utilization of digital tools for transparent and efficient LGUs.

Alimurung highlighted Quezon City’s initiative of crafting the QCitizen ID, which simplifies identification of residents and also serves as a valid ID.

Santos underscored the convenience of mobile banking payments, noting that GCash is coordinating with LGUs to bring innovation and ease to residents, while Fabella discussed the importance of advancing education in line with digitalization, equipping both teachers and learners to be future-ready.

Office of the Civil Defense Spokesperson Junie Castillo, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon, Spectree Chief Operating Officer Satoshi Negoro, and unconnected.org General Manager of the Philippines Benjz Gerard Sevilla participated in a second panel discussion, focusing on building more resilient local governance through digital tools and improved dissemination of information.

Castillo highlighted efforts to reach far-flung areas with early warnings, including collaborations with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to improve connectivity.

Negoro introduced Spectee, a Japanese start-up that collates data from social media platforms during calamities, helping authorities gauge effects by area.

Gabaldon and Sevilla emphasized that accurate information saves lives, especially during disasters, and that effective communication must reach everyone.