Written by Christian Junio and Jon Francis Cardenas
The University of Baguio’s School of Information Technology (UB-SIT) successfully conducted an Outreach: ICT Literacy Training for Pinsao Proper Barangay Officials on March 1, 2025, at the university’s F Building. This initiative aimed to equip barangay officials with essential digital skills to enhance administrative efficiency and public service delivery. With the rapid advancement of technology, local government units must adapt to digital tools to optimize operations, improve transparency, and engage better with the community. This training is a crucial step in ensuring inclusive and sustainable digital development, aligning with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The training was designed to enhance digital competencies, allowing barangay officials to efficiently manage records, communicate online, and safeguard sensitive information. The event was attended by 32 participants, including barangay officials, administrative staff, health workers, faculty members, and IT students. The sessions covered basic computer operations, Microsoft Office applications, email and online communication, e-governance tools, and data management. The training was led by Ma’am Junamil C. Zamora, MBA as the head organizer, with Ma’am Erna-kristi N. Martinez, MIT introducing the power of artificial intelligence and its potential in governance, Ma’am Cherrie L. Almazan, MIT demonstrating the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and chatbots for streamlining administrative tasks, and Ma’am Lolita B. Narag, MBA, MBE providing hands-on training in Microsoft Excel for data management and reporting.
This initiative directly contributes to three Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 4, Quality Education, is supported by promoting lifelong learning opportunities and ensuring access to relevant digital skills. Equipping local leaders with technological knowledge enhances public service efficiency and fosters a culture of continuous education. SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, is addressed by enhancing the productivity and efficiency of barangay officials in delivering public services. By integrating digital tools in governance, barangays can streamline administrative processes, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to economic resilience at the community level. SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, is advanced through the promotion of transparency and accountability. Barangay officials can now utilize digital platforms to enhance public service delivery, ensure data security, and engage the community more effectively, leading to stronger and more responsive institutions.
The post-training evaluation revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants expressing increased confidence in using digital tools for administrative functions. Participants suggested providing better computer accessories, slowing down discussions for improved comprehension, and offering follow-up training on advanced ICT topics such as data analytics and automation. Barangay officials also requested assistance for hazard mapping and improving their barangay’s digital security, particularly for email and social media platforms.
The success of this training marks the beginning of a more digitally empowered barangay. Moving forward, the University of Baguio aims to conduct advanced training sessions on data analytics, and automation, provide barangay officials with digital literacy resources and ongoing technical support, strengthen collaborations between academia and local government units to foster sustainable digital transformation, and integrate ICT literacy into barangay development plans to ensure continued digital competence among officials and staff. The University of Baguio remains committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering local government officials through meaningful outreach programs. By equipping barangay officials with critical digital skills, this initiative lays the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven governance system—one that enhances public service delivery and strengthens local institutions for the benefit of the entire community.
With technology shaping the future of governance, initiatives like this ICT Literacy Training are paving the way for a smarter, more resilient, and digitally connected barangay. As digital transformation accelerates, barangay officials must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. By embracing ICT literacy, Barangay Pinsao Proper is taking a crucial step toward innovation, efficiency, and community empowerment, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era.
