ILOILO City — The Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) has launched a nationwide initiative to elevate local government units (LGUs) to “smart LGUs” status, a move to enhance public service delivery and reduce corruption through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
This goal was the focus of the VMLP’s “1st Summit on Smart LGUs” held here from August 13 to 15, attended by over 600 vice mayors from across the country.
The summit aimed to foster collaboration among local governance stakeholders, technology experts, and service providers.
The overarching goal is to facilitate a common understanding and commitment towards transforming LGUs into smarter entities capable of significantly improving quality of life for citizens.
According to Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria of Lambunao, Iloilo — who served as the Summit Director and is also the VMLP Iloilo Chapter President and VMLP National Vice Chairman for Visayas — the definition of “smart LGUs” extends beyond mere technological adoption.
It encompasses various governance aspects like effective solid waste management, environmental protection, and ensuring safe and sustainable water sources, he stressed.
“Smart LGUs involve not just the integration of technology but also adopting practices in solid waste management, environmental protection, and securing the greenest water sources,” Losaria explained at a press conference on Wednesday, August 14.
In the cases of Iloilo City and Province, Losaria said there are specific challenges that need to be addressed before achieving “smart LGUs” status. For Iloilo City, addressing water source challenges, particularly ensuring their safety, is crucial. In Iloilo Province, enhancing resiliency and disaster management is imperative, as there are areas highly vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
VMLP is partnering with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure nationwide coverage, especially at the grassroots level, of free Wi-Fi connectivity to aid in the smoother and faster transactions for the public.
Losaria highlighted the potential benefits of LGU computerization, which could prevent delays and additional costs currently experienced due to weak signals and the need for manual interventions.
Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz of Malabon City, the National Chairman of the VMLP, emphasized the urgency of action from both the LGUs and the national government to adapt continuously and fulfil commitments on enhancing connectivity, as required by law.
Dela Cruz also shared his experience in Malabon City, where he initiated paperless sessions using iPads and television setups in the city council, aiming to create an “e-legis” system to document and share all ordinances, resolutions, and best practices among LGUs, thus serving as a benchmarking tool.
Post-convention, Losaria mentioned that a roadmap would be crafted to guide all LGUs towards achieving the “smart LGUs” status, addressing specific local challenges like water safety in Iloilo City and disaster resilience in Iloilo province.
The VMLP has not set a specific timeline for achieving smart LGU status, acknowledging that progress will depend on available resources, the willingness of local officials, and support from the national government.
During the summit, various experts discussed topics to aid policymakers in their quest to evolve into smart LGUs, including smart city development, sustainable aquaculture, and the impact of smarter governance on tourism and regional development./PN
