NAVAL, BILIRAN | September 22–23, 2026

The Provincial Government of Biliran has taken a significant step toward becoming a more digitally connected, innovative, and data-driven province through the Biliran Digitalization, Innovation and Data Governance Workshop, held on September 22–23 at the Governor’s Hall, Capitol Compound.

The two-day workshop brought together municipal representatives, ICT personnel, department heads, technical teams, national government partners, and other stakeholders to explore practical strategies for harnessing technology, innovation, and data to improve government systems and public services.

The activity formally opened with a welcome address from 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙮. 𝙀𝙙𝙜𝙖𝙧 𝘼. 𝙄𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙤,

Provincial Information Officer, who welcomed the participants and partner agencies and underscored the importance of collective action in advancing Biliran’s digital transformation agenda.

Representing 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙤 𝙅. 𝙀𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙖, 𝙈𝘿, 𝙁𝙋𝙊𝘼, 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙮. 𝙑𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝘾. 𝙍𝙤𝙖,

Provincial Legal Officer/OIC Provincial Administrator, delivered the Governor’s message, conveying his warmest greetings and support to the participants and partners.

Later in the afternoon,𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙤 “𝘿𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙧 “ 𝙅. 𝙀𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙖 personally joined the workshop and dropped by to interact with the participants, demonstrating his support for the province’s continuing efforts toward digitalization, innovation, and improved data governance.

In his message, Governor Espina emphasized that digital transformation is not simply about computers, applications, or technology—it is fundamentally about transforming the way government serves its people.

“Where geography creates distance, technology can create connection. Where information is scattered, data can create clarity. And where traditional approaches may no longer be enough, innovation can create better solutions.”

The Governor also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among the Provincial Government, municipalities, ICT personnel, national government agencies, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders in building a digitally connected, innovative, and responsive Biliran.

Also inspiring the participants was 𝙅𝙖𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙝 𝘽. 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝘾𝙄𝘾𝙏𝙊 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙤 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙮 and Lead Facilitator, who shared practical experiences, lessons, and digital innovations that can help guide Biliran in developing its own digital transformation initiatives. He encouraged participants to become Digital Champions who can bring new ideas, practical solutions, and innovative approaches back to their respective offices and communities.

The workshop featured sessions covering the digital government landscape, LGU innovation and capability, data-driven governance, digital maturity assessment, government process mapping, data governance, privacy and cybersecurity, as well as presentations from technology and industry partners.

More than a two-day learning activity, the workshop serves as a starting point for a shared commitment to make government services faster, more accessible, efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of every Biliranon.

With collaboration, creativity, reliable data, and the courage to embrace change, Biliran can move toward a government where technology connects communities, innovation improves systems, and data guides better decisions.

Together, let us build a smarter, more connected, and more responsive Biliran—one digital transformation at a time.