BACOLOD City — Bacolod City has taken a major step toward digital transformation with the launch of the G-App, a one-stop mobile application that aims to simplify government transactions and bring public services closer to residents through their smartphones.
The digital platform was unveiled by Mayor Greg Gasataya during his maiden State of the City Address (SOCA) on July 8, where he identified digital governance as a key pillar of his administration’s push to modernize public service delivery under the HEART+MORE governance agenda.
Gasataya said the G-App is designed to make city government services more accessible by allowing Bacolodnons to access information and transact with the local government without having to visit City Hall, supporting the city’s broader effort to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience.
The launch forms part of a wider digital transformation program that also includes the digitization of frontline government services through QR codes, electronic kiosks, and faster online-assisted processing of permits under the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) Express Lane.
The mayor said these initiatives are intended to reduce processing time, improve service delivery, and enhance citizens’ overall experience in dealing with the local government.
Digital innovation likewise extends to education through the city’s Elevate AIDA program, which provides digital skills training to learners and complements the distribution of free school supplies, school bags, and physical education uniforms to more than 111,000 public school students.
The city mayor also cited the expansion of the city’s CCTV network and the use of digital technologies in public safety as part of efforts to strengthen security and emergency response.
Beyond digital initiatives, the mayor reported accomplishments across the six pillars of the HEART+MORE agenda, including healthcare, education, environmental protection, economic development, disaster resilience, tourism, and infrastructure.
Among the highlights were P147.84 million worth of hospital assistance under the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BACCHP), expanded cancer care and medical assistance, intensified flood mitigation efforts, livelihood and employment programs, improvements in waste management, and preparations for major national sporting and entertainment events.
The city also continues to pursue key infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Old City Hall, construction of a new Legislative Building and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Command Center, expansion of the Bacolod City General Hospital, modernization of traffic management systems, and the proposed Philippine Science High School campus.
Concluding his address, the mayor said innovation and technology will continue to drive the city’s efforts to improve the quality of life of every Bacolodnon through transparent, responsive, and citizen-centered governance.
He also announced that the P3-million budget originally allocated for this year’s SOCA would instead be donated to charitable institutions, saying public funds should directly benefit the people whenever possible./PN
