BACOLOD CITY – The local government of Victorias City, Negros Occidental has taken a significant step towards digital governance by partnering with G-Xchange Inc. for the DigiCities Program.
The memorandum of agreement was signed on July 31 by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez at the Victorias City Hall, marking the city as the first local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines to join the expanded DigiCities initiative.
The collaboration aims to enhance Victorias City’s service delivery, financial inclusion, and overall digital readiness.
Mayor Benitez emphasized the city’s pioneering role, saying, “We aim to create a digitally inclusive and innovative city where all will benefit from the advantages of going digital.”
GCash Area Manager for Negros Benjo Hervias praised the city’s leadership in digital innovation, noting the impressive growth in GCash users from 30% to 55% over 18 months.
“Victorias City has been a leader in LGU digital innovation and adoption,” Hervias said, highlighting the positive impact of the DigiCities program on empowering LGUs, MSMEs, and the community.
The partnership has already shown tangible benefits, such as integrating GCash payments for vendors and tricycle drivers, and providing capacity-building and financial literacy training for city employees.
Additionally, the signing included an Implementing Agreement for a Citizen Card, a unique initiative in the region.
The event, attended by local officials and GCash representatives, underscored the city’s commitment to digital transformation, promising significant improvements for residents and businesses alike.
