MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Following the establishment of the first-ever digital center in the Bangsamoro region, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, alongside the municipal government of Piagapo, is now more confident that basic government services can already be brought closer to the populace.

The digital center was launched in Piagapo town under the Localized E-Governance for the Accelerated Provision of Services (LEAPS) Program, May 31.

Two government services were initially made available, namely the acquisition of business permits and civil registry documents like birth certificates.

Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong underlined that the municipality of Piagapo could indeed be a pride to other places, not just in the Bangsamoro region but also in other areas in the Philippines.

He was optimistic that the digital center could bring great benefit, as this would allow the place and the province, in general, to cope with the current trend in technology.

"Napakalaking tulong nito sa lalawigan ng Lanao del Sur, partikular na sa municipality of Piagapo, dahil alam naman natin na ang panahon ngayon ay more on technology. Sinisulong din natin ang paperless. Itong Digital Bangsamoro [Center] ay nakaalign na sa lahat," said Adiong.

(This is a big help in the province of Lanao del Sur, particularly in the municipality of Piagapo, because we know that this time, we are more focused on technology. We are also pushing to be paperless. This digital Bangsamoro [center] is aligned with everything)

Recognizing that they opened the first digital facility in the region, Piagapo Mayor Ali Sumandar expressed his elation, especially since his locality was chosen as the pioneer of the establishment of a digital center.

He added that what made him more delighted was the fact that they were given first-hand attention and that the advantages they would receive would be vital to the lives of his constituents.

Sumandar emphasized that this realized effort is significant to them, as when he was first seated as the local chief executive, he already dreamed of having fast and accessible government services.

With this, he saw that the new digital center granted his longtime wish, as he was likewise positive that people would no longer queue.

Sumandar also assured that they would do their best to sustain the project so that future generations could still enjoy it.

"Bilang pangunahing opisyal dito sa bayan ng Piagapo, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng binigay nilang tulong. Isa ito sa pinakahihintay namin. Maitatala ito sa history na kami ang pinakauna, sa Piagapo, na nabigyan. Aalagaan namin ito," he said.

(As the top official here in the town of Piagapo, we are thankful for everything given to us. This is one of our long-awaited dreams. It will be written in history that we are the first in Piagapo to receive this. We will take care of this.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)