The local government of Iligan City is poised to speed up its digital transformation initiatives with the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

On Monday, Mayor Frederick Siao met with DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-De Sagon and the regional officers of DICT in Northern Mindanao. Among the discussions was the creation of a dedicated Department of Digital Transformation for the city government as a way to manage information, communication and technology locally.

“This is to ensure that our internet program will directly and permanently benefit the communities,” Siao said.

Other proposals and updates discussed between Siao and De Sagon include faster internet bandwidth in government offices serving frontline services.

Iligan has been pursuing digital transformation recently through its Information and Communications Technology Center and the Center for Digital Iligan, Innovation and Sustainability.

These offices have spearheaded local “smart city” initiatives, including the operation of a Digital Creative Innovation Hub for tech upskilling and managing a command center with artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television cameras.

The city was among six pilot local government units in Northern Mindanao selected for the Department of Science and Technology’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, reflecting its commitment to citizen-focused governance .

In May, the city government conducted a masterclass on digital workforce readiness through the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability to guide students and job seekers in accessing online and remote work opportunities. Earlier this year, DICT also trained 20 Iligan government employees on the use of artificial intelligence to improve office productivity. (PNA)