BALANGA City: The Bataan provincial government in cooperation with the New Zealand Embassy in Manila on Wednesday launched here the Bataeño Pass that will digitalize transactions aimed at having efficient, convenient and accessible public services to make daily life easier in the province.
Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd said that Bataan has always been a province of innovation, progress and community-driven governance. “Our people, whom I proudly describe as hardworking, resilient, and full of ambition, deserve nothing but the best.”
“Today, with the launch of the Bataeño Pass, we take a bold step toward digital transformation and smart governance. For too long, our people have endured long lines, repetitive processes, and excessive paperwork just to access even the most basic government services,” the governor said.
He noted that a simple request for assistance often requires securing multiple certifications, presenting various IDs, and making several trips to different offices only to encounter delays due to outdated records and manual verification.
Garcia observed that this inefficiency has not only burdened citizens but has also slowed down the delivery of critical government services, leaving many frustrated and underserved. He is confident that if private sector can do it, government should do it even better.
“With the Bataeño Pass, we are eliminating these unnecessary hurdles and streamlining access to government services. This system securely stores citizen data, enabling government offices to instantly verify whether an individual is a senior citizen, farmer, fisherfolk, tricycle driver, or indigent,” he said.
Garcia said that there will be no more stacks of paperwork, redundant steps, or long waiting times. He sees transactions will be faster and more efficient, ensuring that services reach the right people without delays.
He said that more than just an identification system, the Bataeño Pass serves as a secure access card for various systems that require important citizen’s documents and information. “Whether it’s for securing government certifications, health records, or even educational credentials, this digital pass streamlines the way individuals access and manage their personal data.”
Garcia claimed that local government units and barangays will significantly benefit from this streamlined system. “Instead of relying on outdated records, officials will have access to a centralized database with accurate information, allowing for more effective governance.”
“Whether it is for social welfare programs, livelihood support, or emergency assistance, the Bataeño Pass ensures that help reaches the right people at the right time,” the governor continued.
He said that the Bataeno Pass will include a standardized process for issuing certifications and clearances, reducing delays and inconsistencies in government transactions. “We are also aligning the Bataeño Pass with the National ID System and the eGov platforms of the national government.”
“I understand that one of the biggest concerns regarding a digital ID system is privacy and security. That is why we have implemented strict security protocols to ensure that the Bataeño Pass upholds the highest standards of data protection,” Garcia furthered.
He assured that no one will have access to personal information unless explicitly authorized by the individual. “Our commitment to data privacy is at the core of this initiative, ensuring that security and convenience go hand in hand.”
The governor called on local chief executives, district representatives, partners from the national government agencies, representatives of the private sector to support the project.
“Together, let us champion this initiative and ensure that every Bataeño benefits from this digital transformation. This is just the beginning. With your support, we will continue to build a more connected, efficient and progressive Bataan,” he said.
Garcia thanked the government of New Zealand for the grant it extended to the provincial government.
He made it clear that the Bataeño Pass is not a requirement for all. “Hindi required pero malaking ginhawa lalo na sa pag-avail ng government services kung mayroong Bataeño pass kasi imbes na hahanapin mo pa pangalan mo, imbes na dalhin mo pa mga requirements or for example ang financial assistance, Bataeño pass na lang ang dadalhin.”
“Mga regular natin na kliyente pagdating sa medical, financial assistance, malaking bagay na may Bataeño pass,”Garcia concluded.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine Mcintosh greeted her audience in Tagalog. “Isang malaking karangalan ang makasama kayo ngayong araw na ito. Sama-sama nating ipagdiriwang ang isang proyekto na sumisimbolo sa ugnayan ng ating mga bansa.”
“It is fantastic to be here in Bataan, a province that isn’t just making waves in innovation. It is reinventing the playbook on how government works smarter, not just harder. Today, we celebrate the Bataan govtech accelerator program, a brilliant example of what happens when you make fresh ideas in both leadership and a whole lot of collaboration,” she said.
“This is not just about digital tools or efficiency. It is about re-imagining the governance for the people it serves and let me tell you, the world is watching. The Philippines is full of potential and Bataan is proving that with the right mindset, government can be innovative just like the world’s best,” Mcintosh said. (30)
