MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur – The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), inaugurated a digital governance center in Marantao on April 2, 2025. The new facility aims to provide citizens with faster and more convenient access to public services.
This digital center is the third of its kind in Lanao del Sur under the Localizing e-Governance for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) Program, a joint initiative of MILG and UNDP.
According to MILG Operations and Management Services Director Fausiah R. Abdula, the facility functions as a one-stop shop for various e-government services, including applications, requests, and other transactions. The center features a queue management system and a technical assistance station to streamline processes and improve the overall public service experience.
“LeAPS serves as the bridge between the government and its constituents, removing hassles with just one click to access services,” Abdula said.
The initiative also promotes inclusivity by prioritizing vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women.
Municipal Administrator Atty. Alauya Alonto expressed appreciation for the project, emphasizing the resources provided under the LeAPS initiative.
“The LeAPS project not only equipped us with computers and other tools but also provided a generator and internet connection. This ensures smooth public service delivery despite sudden brownouts,” Alonto stated.
He further noted that the new facility spares Marantao residents from enduring long waits under harsh weather conditions.
The MILG’s Lanao del Sur Provincial Office is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the operation of digital centers in the province, including those in Butig, Piagapo, and Marantao. Another facility is currently being developed in the municipality of Taraka.
The establishment of digital infrastructure and e-governance in the Bangsamoro region aligns with the Government of the Day’s Twelve-Point Priority Agenda for 2023–2025, reinforcing efforts to enhance service delivery and governance in the area.