Closing the gap between those who benefit from digital technology and those who do not is in essence what constitutes to bridge the digital divide. The challenge for overcoming this problem from the point of view of the national government and LGUs remains a daunting task but recent developments have converged to address this with renewed optimism.

 The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines (RA 7925) with its core principle of giving universal access to basic telecommunication service in unserved and underserved areas at affordable rates has set the stage for the broadband revolution in the country. Suddenly, LGUs have become energized to come up with programs to harness internet access in jumpstarting its economic projects and social services. Community E-Centers have become informal employment hubs where locals get to be interviewed by foreign employers and facilitating overseas deployment. Previously obscure LGUs get to showcase their indigenous culture and strengths in eco-tourism, instantly giving them a world presence and opportunity for growth.

Another landmark legislation that’s driving governance to fulfill it mandate of bringing meaningful growth and development is the Electronic Commerce Act of the Philippines (RA 8792) which gives validity and legal recognition to electronic documents, electronic signatures and electronic transactions used in commercial, non-commercial and government transactions. The law facilitates access to government services and projects which makes for more efficient, transparent governance.

The ascendancy of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) plays a significant role in providing universal access through lower cost of computing and access to other IT infrastructures which previously can only be had by buying proprietary softwares.

The savings one gets from shifting to FOSS is huge to say the least, and this is not lost on the Municipality of Pinamalayan. It has started using FOSS-based software for some of its computer units, but at the moment, some Departments & Offices are still Windows-based. At the current number of 49 units, we will have saved P2.6 M alone on the most basic proprietary software if we have fully migrated to FOSS. But we are getting there. To date, FOSS-based softwares are in place for services such as:

• Electronic Real Property Tax System (eRPTS)‏

• Electronic Business Permit & Licensing System (eBPLS)‏

• Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS)‏

• Legislative Information System (LIS)‏

• Electronic Treasury Operations Management System (eTOMS)‏

Its Web presence (http://www.pinamalayan.gov.ph)‏ is still a work in progress and basically informational in nature but it is in place already.

The Municipal Government of Pinamalayan has conducted seminars and trainings for its employees on open source software and their use with respect to their work, underlying FOSS role in helping to address the problem of unlicensed software use or piracy. People maybe resistant to change, but a retooling of their computer skills and most importantly their mindset is crucial in this regard. An exciting world out there exists outside the confines of Bill Gates’ world and other giant icons of proprietary software. We only need a little nudge or incentive to get a look-see. And the cost-benefit to us is a great incentive.

We have also reached out to the local community, starting with the academe. We conducted seminar in local college institutions such as Southwestern Institute of Business & Technology, IATEC Computer Colleges, and Institute of Business Science & Medical Arts. This information campaign includes advocacy for FOSS software as well as the government’s Anti-Piracy Law.

The benefits of low cost software cannot be overemphasized enough even in academic institutions. For example, with FOSS, students have access to tools whose proprietary counterpart would cost a lot to buy. Thus, opportunities for student creativity increase since there is no financial barrier to installing powerful special software in schools. And being ICT students, it will be to their benefit to confer and collaborate with global community of FOSS experts when they venture into software design themselves.

Much remains to be done, to be sure. The delicate act of balancing the priorities of governance still can confuse any local executive at any given day mainly because the times are hard. In partnership, however, with initiatives from the private sectors and non-government organizations who are themselves stakeholders in the local community much can be achieved. Not only in terms of the extent of computer use or penetration of technology in the community, but in coming up with meaningful, content-rich services for agriculture, health, education, employment and other services that will empower the local community through e-governance

The Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) is the major proponent of e-LGU. Raising awareness about the Free/Open Source Software is one of the MPDO’s current programs which it has extended to the community especially the educational institutions.