By Ms. Christia Lao

The CPU SGS-MPA program conducted a BIDA seminar in Oton, Iloilo, on November 29, 2025, training 65 barangay officials on digital tools to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local governance.

The CPU School of Graduate Studies-Master in Public Administration program held a successful seminar on the Barangay Infosystem for Development and Accountability (BIDA) on November 29, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Social Hall in Poblacion West, Municipality of Oton, Iloilo. The event began with a welcome address by the Acting Dean, Dr. Althea U. Denuevo, followed by a presentation from the resource speaker, Mr. Vince M. Carreon, a Science Research Assistant from DOST-Western Visayas. BIDA is an e-governance program developed by DOST-Western Visayas that aims to digitize barangay workflows, enabling efficient encoding, tracking, and archiving of important barangay records such as minutes of meetings, resolutions, and ordinances. This initiative has notably enhanced the processes of local governance.

The seminar was attended by 65 participants, including Punong Barangays, Treasurers, and Secretaries from the 37 barangays of Oton, Iloilo. As part of DOST’s broader initiatives for grassroots development, the program seeks to strengthen transparency and accountability in barangay governance. The participants gained insights into new digital tools that promote efficient service delivery and foster the sustainability of barangay operations.

Dr. Renia F. De La Peña, MPA Program Head, delivered the closing remarks at the end of the seminar. The objectives of the event were successfully achieved by providing barangay officials of Oton, Iloilo, with comprehensive knowledge of the Barangay Infosystem for Development and Accountability (BIDA) Project.

This seminar was conducted as a course requirement for the Master in Public Administration students enrolled in MPA 6111 under the instruction of Dr. Godelyn Hisole.