The Municipality of Loon reaffirmed its strong commitment to digital transformation, cybersecurity resilience, and data-driven governance through its active participation in the Executive Briefing for Digital Leaders held on December 15–16, 2025, followed by the Partners Summit 2025 on December 17, 2025. The engagement was undertaken under the leadership of Mayor Pedro “Dodong” M. Literatus, Jr., with the municipality officially represented by the Municipal Website Administrator and Deputy for Quality Management System (QMS) Training and Advocacy, Mr. Norman T. Torremocha, MSTCS.
The two-day Executive Briefing provided local government leaders and partners with a strategic and policy-level understanding of the National ICT Literacy Framework and its long-term implementation roadmap. Discussions centered on strengthening digital leadership competencies in key emerging areas such as cybersecurity, data-driven governance, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Resource persons included Mr. Daniel J. Blueman of Numascale, Engr. Naomi Bajao of Cebu Technological University, and DICT Region VII collaborators Mr. Vince Aladad and Mr. Phoebus Keith, who collectively emphasized the importance of preparing LGUs for sustainable technological advancement while ensuring the protection of public data and digital services.
Key insights from the briefing underscored the growing reliance of LGUs on in-house information systems—many of which are deployed on secure and stable Linux-based environments, particularly the use of Raspberry Pi devices, as practical and scalable solutions for local government operations. While these platforms provide a strong technical foundation, the discussions highlighted that their effectiveness depends on robust cybersecurity practices, including proper system administration, regular updates, defined access controls, and trained personnel. The protection of sensitive constituent data and the integrity of government information systems were emphasized as essential to informed decision-making, operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and the preservation of public trust.
On the third day, during the DICT–ILCDB–sponsored Partners Summit 2025, participants were further enriched through information sessions on Data Privacy Awareness and Trabahong Digital: Shaping an Inclusive Digital Workforce in the Philippines. These initiatives, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology through the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), highlighted the critical role of LGUs in institutionalizing privacy-by-design practices, strengthening compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and enhancing the capacity of government personnel to responsibly manage and safeguard citizen data.
Complementing data protection efforts, the Trabahong Digital program presented a forward-looking approach to workforce development by equipping Filipinos—particularly those in rural and underserved communities—with job-ready digital skills and access to remote and online employment opportunities. For local governments such as Loon, this positions the LGU not only as a service provider but also as an enabler of inclusive digital livelihoods, contributing to local economic resilience and reducing geographic barriers to employment.
In recognition of its continued support and active involvement in advancing the National ICT Development Agenda, the Municipality of Loon was conferred a Plaque of Appreciation by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (DICT–ILCDB) during the Partners Summit. The award was formally presented on December 17, 2025, at One Central Hotel, Cebu City, and was signed by DICT Region VII Regional Director Frederick D.C. Amores.
The Municipality of Loon extends its sincere appreciation to the DICT–ILCDB for initiating the Executive Briefing for Digital Leaders and Partners Summit 2025. This timely and meaningful initiative continues to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, enhance digital leadership at the local level, and support LGUs in building secure, inclusive, and people-centered digital governance aligned with national development goals.
Making Loon Madanihon rise and shine… from Local to Global!