CLARK FREEPORT – The widow of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo will be asked to represent her husband at the awarding ceremony in November for the best use of ICT in local government units (LGU) leading to good governance embraced by the former Naga City mayor.
Engr. George Sorio, president of Cyber City Teleservices-Philippines based here, said Atty. Leni Robredo will be asked to lead the awarding of winners in the 1st eGov Awards of the Philippines 2012 set in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on November 22-23.
“We waited for the burial of the late respected secretary before we intend to send the invitation to Leni Robredo. We realize that after Robredo died, all the more we should continue his legacy of good governance and reliable rule using ICT,” said Sorio, who visited the wake of Robredo in Malacanang and Naga City last week.
Sorio said that Robredo, who perished with two others in a plane crash in Masbate on August 18, was “excited and very supportive” of the eGov awards organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines in partnership with the DILG.
It is open to all local government units (LGUs) and the deadline for the submission of entries is on September 30. Application and nominations for entry to the contest can be downloaded and submitted through www.egov.com.ph.
The cities of San Fernando and Angeles in Pampanga and Balanga City in Bataan expressed their intention to join the contest, said Sorio.
He added that the strategic program will recognize, reward and showcase the pioneering ICT initiatives of LGUs in two categories, namely: Best in eGov Customer Empowerment (G2C) Award which recognizes the measurable effect of an LGU’s/line bureaus’ outstanding practices in applying ICT solutions in the education and engagement of the public in the use of electronic facilities/channels towards providing improved, timely and relevant delivery of public services; and the Best in eGov Business Empowerment (G2B) Award, which measures the significant effects of an LGUs/ line bureaus’ laudable practices in integrating ICT solutions and the commitment of its administration in the bureaus’ responsiveness to the needs of business enterprises, thereby creating business opportunities.
The other interested LGUs are: Sta Rosa in Laguna, Carmona in Cavite, Iloilo City,
Legaspi City, Naga City, Mabalacat City, Davao City, Cebu City, Del Carmen in Siargao, Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal City, Rizal province, Puerto Princessa City, Pangasinan, Marinduque,; Bulacan and Negros Oriental.
Sorio said the 1st eGov Awards for LGUs will now be known as the Jesse Robredo Award of Excellence in ICT for Good Governance. The awarding ceremony will be held simultaneously with the 5th NICP Summit in Sta. Rosa.
NICP chair Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Sorio are expected to pay tribute to Robredo who used ICT to enhance the delivery of services and to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.
A former six-term mayor of Naga City, Robredo transformed the once-struggling and third-class Bicol city into one of the hallmarks of good governance in the Philippines, reaping international and local awards.
Robredo actively used ICT in governing Naga City for 18 years, allowing transparent, reliable and fast transactions in the city hall primarily benefitting his constituents and investors.
