In a significant move towards modernizing governance, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have inaugurated a new digital governance center in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. The launch event, held on February 17, 2025, was led by BARMM Interior Minister Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, alongside UNDP’s Edwine Carrie and local mayor Marshall Sinsuat, symbolizing a commitment to enhancing public service delivery through technology.
This center, part of the Localizing e-Governance for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) Program, is designed to bring government services closer to the residents of Maguindanao del Norte by leveraging digital solutions. According to the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the initiative is a step towards making governance more accessible and efficient.
Minister Dumama-Alba emphasized the proactive approach of BARMM in shaping its future through digital advancements. She stated, “We are not waiting for the future to come to us; we are building it, one digital breakthrough at a time.” This sentiment reflects the region’s ambition to lead in digital governance.
The new facility in Datu Blah Sinsuat marks the third digital governance center in BARMM, following successful models in Butig and Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. These centers have already demonstrated their effectiveness in streamlining government services, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing the transparency and speed of transactions.
Mayor Marshall Sinsuat of Datu Blah Sinsuat praised the center for its potential to bridge service gaps in remote areas, stating, “This digital center will empower our people by simplifying government processes and making essential services readily available.”
Edwine Carrie from UNDP highlighted the broader implications of the project, noting, “Our collaboration with MILG through LeAPS is about putting technology at the service of the people. This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about building a governance system that is efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The digital governance center in Maguindanao del Norte is poised to serve as a blueprint for future e-governance projects across BARMM, aiming to ensure that all communities, especially those in isolated areas, have equitable access to government services.