DICT’s eLGU system in Caraga reaches 59% local gov’t penetration
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA)—The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga reached a significant milestone in its drive for digital governance, with 59 percent of local government units (LGUs) in the region now onboarded to the electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) System.
This accomplishment aligns with Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
Out of 73 LGUs in Caraga, 43 are now implementing the system. Dinagat Islands with 3 of 7 LGUs; Agusan del Norte with 8 of 11 LGUs; Agusan del Sur – 3 of 14 LGUs; Surigao del Norte with 13 of 21 LGUs; and Surigao del Sur with 16 out of its 19 LGUs.
The eLGU System streamlines essential services like the business permits, civil registry documents, and community tax certificates, among others, making them accessible online and more efficient for the citizens.
In his 2023 SONA, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized that, “Digitalization is no longer our goal. It is our path, transforming how we govern, how we do business, and how we serve.”
DICT Caraga’s progress reflects this path toward full e-governance. The system empowers LGUs to automate services, reduce red tape, and enhance transparency.
One tangible proof of this transformation is the municipality of Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, which officially launched its eLGU system on June 23 at the Jabonga Commercial Complex in Barangay Poblacion.
Jabonga’s constituents now benefit from digital access to Electronic Business Permit and Licensing System (eBPLS); Electronic Local Civil Registry (eLCR); and Electronic Community Tax Certificate (eCedula).
Mayor Napoleon M. Montero highlighted the municipality’s commitment to modernizing local service delivery, saying, “The official launch of the eLGU system marks a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to modernize public service delivery. This innovation is for every resident of Jabonga.”
“The eLGU system is more than just a digital platform. It is a foundation for better governance, improved transparency, and more responsive services,” said Glynmer A. Jamito, regional information officer of DICT Caraga.
“Through partnerships with committed LGUs like Jabonga, we are helping local governments transition toward President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a more agile and citizen-first bureaucracy,” Jamito said.
In his 2024 SONA, Pres. Marcos Jr. reiterated the importance of this transition. “Government transactions must be seamless, simple, and swift. Digital tools are key to achieving this.”
With support from DICT, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), the Caraga region continues to onboard LGUs and build capacity for digital transformation.
As PBMM stated in his 2025 SONA, “We cannot leave anyone behind in the digital revolution. Every LGU must become part of our e-governance journey.”
DICT Caraga is confident that with sustained collaboration and innovation, Caraga will achieve full eLGU implementation by 2026, ultimately delivering the President’s promise of a “Bagong Pilipinas” where digital solutions uplift lives and promote inclusive growth. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
