The local government of Iligan City is stepping up its push toward full digitization by deepening its partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
During a Monday meeting, Mayor Frederick Siao conferred with DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-De Sagon and regional representatives from Northern Mindanao to discuss strategies to boost the city’s tech infrastructure.
A central proposal from the dialogue is the creation of a specialized Department of Digital Transformation to manage local information, communications, and technology initiatives.
”This is to ensure that our internet program will directly and permanently benefit the communities,” Siao said.
The discussions also focused on bolstering internet access across municipal offices, with a particular emphasis on agencies managing frontline public services.
Iligan has steadily advanced its tech agenda in recent years through joint initiatives led by its Information and Communications Technology Center and the Center for Digital Iligan, Innovation and Sustainability. These units have spearheaded key smart city developments, such as establishing a Digital Creative Innovation Hub focused on tech skills training and launching an operational command center integrated with AI-driven CCTV surveillance.
Recognized for its modernization push, Iligan stands among six local government units in Northern Mindanao chosen as pilot sites for the Department of Science and Technology’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program.
The city has also prioritized digital skills building. In May, the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability hosted a masterclass on digital workforce readiness to prepare students and job seekers for remote work prospects.
Additionally, the DICT facilitated a training session earlier this year focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance productivity for 20 municipal staff members.