MILG-BARMM advances digital governance with soft launch of 9th Digital Bangsamoro Center in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte

February 27, 2026

Group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in a hallway with large floral arrangements. — Ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Digital Center soft-launch in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. From L-R: Tarhata Balading, MILG Provincial Director of Maguindanao del Norte; Winston Camariñas, Head of UNDP Cotabato; Director Fausiah K. Romancap-Abdula, MILG Operations Management Services; Mayor Cahar P. Ibay, Municipality of Parang; Vice Mayor Abdul Aziz T. Ali, Municipality of Parang

Parang, Maguindanao del Norte — Reaffirming its commitment to strengthen local government units (LGUs) and advance responsive, transparent, and accountable governance, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM) officially launched the 9th Digital Bangsamoro Center in the Municipality of Parang in Maguindanao del Norte. The initiative is under the Localizing e-Governance for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) Program, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This milestone includes eight operational centers across municipalities and one at the MILG-BARMM Regional Office in Cotabato City, with four more centers to be launched by June 2026, marking continued progress toward building a truly #DigitalBangsamoro.

Through digital innovation, MILG-BARMM strengthens administrative systems, streamlines frontline services, and promotes transparent, people-centered governance.

Hon. Cahar P. Ibay, Mayor of Parang, highlighted the value of the LeAPS Program in transforming governance: “Itong LeAPS program po ay talagang napakahalaga, kasi ang minimithi natin ay makapag-serbisyo ng mabilis at tama. Para pong madaling maka-access ang ating mga kababayan—ito po’y naging susi sa mas maayos at efficient na pamahalaan.” (“The LeAPS Program is an important step toward achieving our goal of fast and accurate service. By making our services easily accessible to our communities, this becomes key to a better and more efficient governance.”)

The Parang Digital Center stands out as a model of local engagement. Even before its official launch, the LGU recorded the highest number of registered users among all operational centers in the region—proof of strong information drives, early user onboarding, and the community’s readiness to embrace digital governance.

Newly-launch LeAPS Digital Center in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

At the core of this initiative is the #DigitalBangsamoro Web Portal, which initially offers eight key e-services such as:

Civil Registry applications
Business and Building Permit applications
Vehicle Operator’s Permits
Zonal Clearances
Real Property Assessments
Tourist Attraction Booking
Appointment scheduling for health services

These e-services are designed to reduce processing time, minimize physical transactions, and enhance access to essential government services.

Director Fausiah K. Romancap-Abdula of the MILG Operations Management Services underscored the broader policy alignment of the program: “Itong programa na ito ay naka-anchor sa ating BARMM Enhanced 12-Point Agenda, Bangsamoro Development Plan, at suportado ng Bangsamoro Local Government Code. Nasa digital age na po tayo, kaya kailangan nating ma-simplify at ma-streamline ang ating mga serbisyo.” (“The LeAPS Program is anchored on BARMM’s Enhanced 12-Point Agenda, Bangsamoro Development Plan, and supported by the Bangsamoro Local Government Code. In this digital age, we need to leverage this technology to simplify and streamline our government services.”)

MILG Chief of the Information System and Technology Management Division (ISTMD) Jiamel B. Abdullah explained how the program supports and benefits local sectors: “Isa sa laman ng ating LeAPS portal ay ang Motor Vehicle Operator’s Permit—isang serbisyong makakatulong sa ating mga operators, lalo na dito sa Parang na isa sa mga Innovators Program awardees.” (“One of the key services available through the LeAPS Digital Bangsamoro web portal is the Motor Vehicle Operator’s Permit – a service that will benefit local transport operators, especially here in Parang being one of the Innovators Program awardees.”)

From the local government perspective, Parang Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) May Quesada expressed deep gratitude and commitment: “Malaking pasasalamat po namin sa MILG at UNDP sa proyektong ito. Makakaasa po kayo na pagbubutihin pa namin ang monitoring at evaluation para ma-upgrade pa ang mga serbisyo sa aming munisipyo.” (“We are greatly thankful to MILG and UNDP for bringing this program to us. Rest assured that we will enhance our monitoring and evaluation to further improve the services in our municipality.”)

Provincial Director Tarhata L. Balading, PhD, commended Parang for setting an example of proactive innovation: “Parang is setting a strong example in Maguindanao del Norte. The adoption of digital systems, including QR-based transactions, demonstrates readiness to embrace transparency, efficiency, and innovation,” she said.

The digitalization of Parang reiterates MILG-BARMM’s vision of an empowered, innovative, and inclusive governance system, anchored on institutional strengthening and citizen participation. With four more centers set to open by mid-2026, the Bangsamoro region is approaching full digital readiness, ensuring that government services are truly “closer to the people and no one is left behind.” [E]