Aspiring mayor Karlo Nograles is setting his sights on transforming Davao City into a digital community, promising enhanced cyberinfrastructure to attract more businesses and create job opportunities for residents.
Nograles, who recently stepped down as Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair, outlined his vision on Friday for a modernized city government if elected in 2025. He aims to build a seamless digital system that simplifies business processes and improves service delivery to the people of Davao.
“We should not wait for investors to come to us. We should draw them to Davao with a modern city hall that can process permits and other requirements online. The technology is there. We just need to use it,” Nograles said in a social media post.
The lawyer underscored the need for an environment conducive to business, starting with the elimination of red tape that would make the processes for launching an enterprise less tedious and more efficient.
If given an opportunity to lead and serve his fellow Davaoeños, Nograles said he would use what he learned in his years of public service to make Davao City’s government bureaucracy more efficient and convenient.
During his tenure at the CSC, Nograles secured a P3.8 billion budget to upgrade the national human resource management system, experience he plans to leverage to streamline Davao’s bureaucracy. “Business permits delayed are jobs denied,” he said, pledging faster, more efficient public services.
Nograles emphasized that his Digital Davao plan would bring significant benefits, including job creation. By integrating digital platforms across government agencies, schools, and hospitals, he aims to foster a business-friendly environment while improving services for Davaoeños.
One of his key priorities is enhancing internet connectivity, which he believes will empower women and other underserved groups. He said better internet access can help housewives and those unable to find traditional jobs to pursue digital entrepreneurship, access training, and develop their skills.
Nograles also proposed digitalizing essential services, including social pensions for seniors and financial aid programs, to eliminate long lines and enhance convenience for residents.
“Programs such as the social pension for senior citizens and other financial aid should be made digital instead of requiring people to line up under the heat of the sun or heavy rains,” he said.
