The positive effect of Information and Communications Technology on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Local Government Units (LGUs) has been demonstrated by the City Government of Naga.

Naga City under Mayor Jesse Robredo launched its I-Governance Program three years ago. It has given the city a lot of benefits.

They use the web or internet technology (through its website -www.naga.gov.ph) in announcing of bid opportunities and reporting of bid award results for their projects. In so doing they have saved millions of pesos which they used in implementing more projects.

Three expense items have been the source of substantial savings; construction of infrastructure projects (up to 33 percent lower than government standard pricing) medicines (up to 70 percent lower), and office supplies (up to 33 percent lower).

It is admirable that while the e-procurement law is a recent issuance (which many LGUs may not even be following), Naga City has been doing this since 2001.

In June this year the Naga City website was given a Public Service award by the United Nations. This is certainly a clear indicator of the success of this laudable initiative of Mayor Robredo.

The strong connection between transparency of the government procurement process and the economic growth of an LGU is very much evident in Naga City. This city, has immensely progressed in recent years.

The efficient use of public funds is among the reasons for such growth.
Will our LGUs in Region VIII have the will to do the same I-governance program?

They can start by having websites. Then they should advertise in this website upcoming biddings.

Subsequently, they can announce the winning bids and bidders so that the process is transparent.

Indeed, the use of ICT can help immensely in making LGUs transaction transparent. Confidence of the public on government will thereby be enhanced.