by: Jon Francis G. Cardenas & Junamil C. Zamora
With digital transformation reshaping public administration, barangay officials must adapt to evolving technologies to streamline processes and improve engagement with their constituents. Recognizing this urgent need, the School of Information Technology (SIT) conducted an ICT Literacy Training for Pinsao Proper Barangay Officials on March 1, 2025, at the University of Baguio (UB) Room F213. The training focused on introducing artificial intelligence (AI) applications like ChatGPT(ChatBot) and Gemini, along with practical training in Office Apps specifically, Microsoft Word and Excel, to help barangay officials improve administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
The event was attended by 32 participants, including barangay officials, faculty members & staff, alumni and SIT students eager to expand their technological knowledge. The training covered key topics such as understanding how AI works, utilizing AI-powered tools for governance, and mastering office applications for data analysis and reporting.
A crucial factor in the program’s success was the involvement of UB’s working community students. Their participation in logistical preparations, technical support, and hands-on guidance significantly contributed to the efficiency of the training sessions. Their dedication fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that barangay officials had the necessary assistance to grasp digital concepts effectively.
Key speakers and facilitators included Ms. Junamil C. Zamora, who led the organization of the program, Ms. Erna-kristi N. Martinez, who introduced AI demonstrated AI-powered chatbots like Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini for streamlining administrative tasks, Ms. Cherrie L. Almazan, who presented how to format documents using Microsoft Word and Ma’am Lolita B. Narag, who provided hands-on training in Microsoft Excel for data organization.
AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini were highlighted as valuable assistants for barangay operations. These AI models can help officials draft official documents, generate reports, respond to community inquiries, and automate repetitive tasks. By integrating AI into their daily processes, barangay officials can save time, improve accuracy, and enhance public engagement. Additionally, Excel training enabled participants to efficiently manage barangay records, track budgets, and analyze community data for better decision-making.
This initiative directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that align with the integration of AI and digital literacy in governance:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By equipping barangay officials with AI tools and data management skills, the training fosters innovation in local governance, enhances technological infrastructure, and promotes sustainable development through digital transformation.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Providing digital literacy training ensures that barangay officials, regardless of their prior experience with technology, have equal opportunities to learn and leverage AI and Excel tools. This helps bridge the digital divide within the community, promoting inclusive development.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The application of AI in governance improves efficiency in public service delivery, contributing to smarter, more resilient barangays. AI-powered decision-making, data management, and automation help local officials address community needs more effectively, ensuring sustainable urban development.
Following the training, a post-training evaluation highlighted its positive impact, with participants expressing greater confidence in using AI tools and Office Applications for administrative tasks. Several participants suggested additional resources such as upgraded computer accessories, extended session durations for in-depth discussions, and follow-up workshops focused on advanced topics like data analytics and automation. Interest in exploring further AI applications for barangay governance was also emphasized.
This successful training program marks a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide within barangay governance. Looking ahead, the University of Baguio aims to conduct more advanced AI and data management training sessions, provide continuous digital literacy resources, and reinforce collaborations between academia and local government units to ensure long-term digital transformation. Integrating AI and data literacy into barangay development initiatives will further empower local officials and staff, ensuring they remain proficient in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As governance continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, initiatives such as this AI and Office Apps Literacy Training play a crucial role in fostering innovation, efficiency, and community engagement. By embracing digital transformation, Barangay Pinsao Proper is paving the way for more inclusive and adaptive governance, ensuring that technology becomes a valuable tool in serving the community effectively.
