In a move toward more efficient public service, specifically in technological innovation, the Municipal Government of Bauang, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, conducted its benchmarking activity on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Project focals of Bauang visited the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), headed by Engr. Germie O. Deang, of the City Government of San Fernando City, La Union,

The delegation was led by Mr. James Andrew L. Patacsil, OIC-Administrator for Management and Municipal Accountant; Ms. Florence B. Rulloda, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC); Mr. Bonnie M. Pedralvez, In-Charge of Office for Municipal Administrator’s Office (MAO); and Dr. Erwill O. Nunan, Municipal Health Officer.

Among the topics discussed were the history of the ICTO and its accomplishments. In it history, Engr. Deang shared that they waited for ten (10) years for their office to become a department. Among its accomplishments were training red-light district workers to be adept in using computer programs to hopefully make an alternative trajectory for their careers. They also shared that they were able to have 133 WiFi hotspots and cover 33 public schools with WiFi.

The ICTO had its first version of Document Tracking System (DTS) in 2009. In 2014, there was a redesign that included email notifications.

Engr. Deang and the ICTO staff proceeded to tour Bauang employees to its own office and other offices. In its own office, the server room maintains its cold temperature and staff are alerted should there be temperature discrepancies.

The delegation had the honor to meet with Atty. Gilbert L. Caloza, Office of the City Mayor Chief of Staff.

Bauang is planning to adopt the best systems of the ICTO of SFC, particularly the DTS. Efficient public service always remains top of the list in the agenda of Bauang. Technology is fast encroaching into our lives and the leaders of Bauang seeks to be certain that the Municipality is up to standard.

Written and Photographed by: Korina Esteban-Ma