Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil on Tuesday promised to support the modernization and digitalization of the National Printing Office (NPO) operations to better serve the country.

“Atin ding susuportahan ang patuloy na modernisasyon ng operasyon ng NPO, mula sa mga kagamitan nito at pangkahalatang organisasyon (We will also support the ongoing modernization of NPO’s operations from its equipment and overall organization),” she said in her speech delivered by PCO Undersecretary Cherbett Maralit during the NPO’s 122nd anniversary at its headquarters in Quezon City.

“Hangad din po natin na makasabay ang NPO sa mga pagbabago ng teknolohiya katulad ng digitalization, at tutulong po ang PCO na mapag-aralang mabuti kung paano mas mapapalawak at mapapag-tibay ang mandato ng NPO (We also aim that the NPO can keep pace with technological advancements such as digitalization, and the PCO will help study how to expand and strengthen the NPO’s mandate),” she added.

Garafil recognized the agency’s role in the successful holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election on Oct. 30.

“Malaki ang tungkulin ng NPO sa pagsasagawa ng national at local elections dahil katuwang tayo ng Comelec [Commission on Elections] sa pag-iimprenta ng mga opisyal na balota at iba pang election paraphernalia. (The NPO plays a significant role in conducting national and local elections because we collaborate with Comelec in printing official ballots and other election paraphernalia),” Garafil said.

She acknowledged the NPO for providing efficient and effective services as part of the premier government communications arm of the President and executive branch.

Garafil commended the NPO for its positive financial standing in recent years, as shown in the recent budget presentation at the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“Kung ang ibang ahensya ay kinakailangan manghingi ng budget support sa Kongreso para sa kanilang yearly operations, ang NPO pa ay isa sa mga bukod-tanging nag-report ng positive financial standing sa mga nakaraang taon (While other agencies often need to seek budget support from Congress for their yearly operations, the NPO has reported a positive financial standing in recent years),” she said.

NPO superintendent Neil Macaraeg said the agency is already ramping up its efforts to digitalize its operations by acquiring modern equipment.

He said the agency has put up a one-stop shop to better serve clients and is currently preparing for the 2025 midterm elections.

NPO Director Rene Acosta welcomed the government officials, including Comelec chair George Garcia, and other guests. (PNA)