A Partnership for Progress: LGU Bontoc And Southern Leyte State University Unite To Build A More Transparent, Digitally Capable Local Government
When a local government's website works well, its residents feel it. Information is easier to find, government actions are visible, and public trust grows. This is the outcome the Local Government Unit of Bontoc, Southern Leyte is working toward as it takes a step toward digital transparency. In collaboration with LGU Bontoc, Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus conducts a Capacity Building Training for the Management of the LGU Bontoc Website under the B.O.N.T.O.C. Program on April 30, 2026.
Led by the university's Office of Extension Services together with the LGU, the training equips local government personnel with essential knowledge on data privacy, security, data safeguards, and website management—all aligned with the BSIT program. Participants move through the website's content management system and successfully upload and publish articles and graphics, including outputs from the training itself and newly created content developed during the session.
For Bontoc residents, the benefit is direct as it creates a secure, active, and sustainably managed government website that ensures better public access to reliable government information. LGU personnel now carry the skills to maintain that access responsibly, guided by compliance with the Data Privacy Act and protection against digital risks.
Driving the initiative from the local government side are Mayor Noel E. Alinsub, the Sangguniang Bayan Officials, and key LGU personnel led by Municipal Administrator Benjie A. Goda and IT Designate Noel T. Torrejos, together with participating LGU staff.
On the university side, the RIPE Office headed by Dr. Gladys L. Pascual and Campus Director Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon provide institutional support that makes the collaboration possible. The BSIT Program, under Project Leader Dr. Sherwin G. Caday and Activity Leader Rexal S. Toledo — alongside Christine A. Makilang, Junnie Ryh M. Sumacot, Julius Amfil E. Dublado, and selected BSIT students — brings the expertise and dedication that carries the activity forward.
Together, the university and the local government demonstrate what a working partnership looks like; not just completing a training, but building something lasting for the community they both serve.