Enhancing Government Efficiency in Mindanao

In a concerted effort to boost government efficiency and streamline services, Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, has joined forces with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (Aboitiz Foundation) to introduce the Pinas Bilis (Quick Philippines) program in Mindanao.

Key Figures Unite for the Pinas Bilis Project MOA Signing in Cotabato City Government: (L-R) Cotabato City Administrator Abdulwahab Midtimbang, Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities SVP and COO Anton Mari Perdices, Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali "Bruce" Dela Cruz Matabalao, Cotabato Light President and COO Valentin S. Saludes III, and Arturo M. Milan, a representative from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.

This groundbreaking initiative is geared towards equipping national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) across the island with digital tools and infrastructure, coupled with essential training to empower government employees to expedite their processes.

At the recent signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Cotabato City Government at the People's Palace, Anton Mari Perdices, Senior Vice President and COO of Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities, underscored the program's advantages for City Hall employees.

Perdices highlighted, "The project offers City Hall employees an invaluable opportunity to enhance their computer skills and grasp program software to bolster productivity and efficiency in delivering government services."

Since its launch last year, Pinas Bilis, introduced through the collaborative efforts of the Aboitiz Group and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), has successfully implemented five training programs, benefitting approximately 250 civil servants from 13 NGAs and 10 LGUs, all at no cost to the government.

The primary objective is to support ARTA's mission to establish a clean, efficient, and people-centric Philippine government, thereby fostering trust and global competitiveness.

Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali "Bruce" Dela Cruz Matabalao affirmed, "The Pinas Bilis project will set the stage for a more efficient and service-oriented Cotabato City Government, commencing with enhancements in frontline service efficiency and customer satisfaction."

Valentin S. Saludes III, Cotabato Light President and COO, chimed in, stating, "We firmly believe that the Pinas Bilis project will be instrumental in the successful implementation of ease of doing business. Efficiency in government services can be achieved by equipping our partners with the right skills and access to the necessary resources."

This collaboration harmonizes with Cotabato Light's core mission of providing electric power to Cotabato City and neighboring municipalities, while simultaneously advancing the Aboitiz Foundation's social development initiatives.

With the introduction of Pinas Bilis, Mindanao takes a significant stride toward a more efficient and responsive government, ultimately benefiting its citizens and businesses.

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