The DILG-NCR, through the Local Government Capability Development Division – Project Development and Management Unit (LGCDD-PDMU), conducted an activity entitled “Unlocking the Potential of Road and Bridge Information System (RBIS): A Training-Workshop on the Full Institutionalization of the RBIS-Geographic Information System (GIS) in the National Capital Region.” The training was held from May 10 to 12, 2023.

LGCDD Assistant Division Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta acknowledged the participation of local engineers and functionaries from all seventeen LGUs of NCR and presented the objectives of the activity.

In her welcome message, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, highlighted the importance of the system in providing a comprehensive database of information on roads, bridges, and other transportation assets. She also added that the RBIS is capable of, “addressing potential hazards before they become real problems by prioritizing repairs and maintenance work.”

The RBIS, being a web-based tool, is envisioned to be able to facilitate communications between national and local governments by storing data in a central location and making information available to those concerned. The system will also pinpoint areas where technical and financial assistance may be needed to construct, repair, or maintain roads and bridges in specific locations. Thus, the RBIS is expected to foster efficiency, minimize red-tape, provide access to resources, promote transparency, and bring government closer to the people.

DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO V, underscored the link of RBIS to the larger context of governance in that it will enable local governments to assume ever greater responsibility over their infrastructure.

The activity was spearheaded by the DILG-NCR-PDMU, led by LGOO V Dennis R. de Paz. Personnel from the Office of the DILG Project Development Services (OPDS), namely, ISA III Clyde B. Malicay, ISA III Nikko Baesa, and Engineer Junius O. Baclig were invited as resource speakers to the activity.