Chavit’s town becomes digital tech-savvy

April 17, 2021 Provincial

Narvacan, Ilocos Sur villagers get electronic digital technology savvy with the recent launch of a multi-purpose card with an application that takes care of everything from paying bills to transacting with the local government without leaving their homes.
As a response to the challenges brought about by COVID-19 Pandemic forcing people to stay home, Narvacan recently launched “Narvacan Ako” multipurpose card with Super App, beamed Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson, also the national president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).
Issued by UnionBank, Narvacaneans will also automatically have own bank account with no maintaining balance or annual fees, Singson added. With access to any ATM worldwide, a range of transactions can be done like deposit, withdraw, pay electricity or water bills, buy mobile load at the same time, it is an e-wallet similar with the technology of G-Cash and Paymaya, he explained.
Mayor Singson announced that in Narvacan, application for permits and clearances, request for documents and payment for taxes and fees can now be processed online. “No need for them to go out. In the comforts of their home, they can transact directly. Safe from the COVID-19.” Architect Richelle Louisse Singson-Michael, Vice-Chairperson of LCS Group of Companies explained that “Narvacan Ako” also serves as a virtual marketplace for products or services in their own regions.
The local community can invest, advertise, sell, and buy physical and digital products, services, and affiliate or interact with each other which is a big help for business and tourism. Mayor Singson is dreaming for a digital community that can improve frontline services not only in his hometown, but the whole country. Other local government units in the Ilocos Region have started to replicate, Singson bared.
He urged other towns and even cities, to innovate. “Technology could make life easier and more convenient. It’s accessible, so we must grab it and maximize its full potential,” the town mayor, who was also a multi-term Ilocos Sur congressman and governor said.
Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN