LGU Malaybalay, BukSU pioneer digital governance and innovation efforts at DIGI MC 2025

The future of digital governance and innovation in Malaybalay City was forged on the campus of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) as it hosted and partnered with the first Digital Malaybalay City (DIGI MC) 2025 conference, held on October 29-31, 2025, signifying the university’s vision as a premier institution for innovative and ethical leaders driving sustainable development.

Smart BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol remarked at the opening ceremony that the university’s collaboration with local government and industry partners at DIGI MC 2025 reflected its core values of excellence and professionalism, with its capacity to convene high-level discussions and present practical digital solutions.

She also shared how BukSU is currently governed following a governance framework employing digital tools for the university’s advancement.

“At BukSU, we integrate advanced digital tools to advance decision-making and planning processes, and our governance model (Hexahelix Framework) prioritizes transparency, accountability, and efficiency, ensuring alignment with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) anchored in the model. We lead by empowering, innovating, and preparing for what lies ahead so that we not only navigate change but also trail it,” Mirasol highlighted.

Malaybalay City Mayor Hon. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran acknowledged the pressing need of Malaybalay’s youth and students, especially those without their own access to technology, for government assistance.

“[Ang Malaybalay is bata pa kayo in terms sa ing-ani, pero ang importante is nasugdan in collaboration with Bukidnon State University, nga ang young generation especially ang present generation matagaan og opportunity ani. Manghinaot ko nga dako nani nga tabang that on behalf of the City Government of Malaybalay, i-maximize nato atong resources nga ang atong pang-gobyerno inclusive siya, daghan tao makapartisipar.] Malaybalay is still in the early stages of its digital transformation, but what matters most is that we have already taken the first step, through our collaboration with Bukidnon State University. This initiative ensures that our young people, especially the current generation, are given meaningful opportunities to grow and engage in this digital shift. I hope they will truly benefit from it, and that the City Government of Malaybalay will continue to maximize our resources to make this transformation inclusive and highly participatory,” Pabillaran said.

During the plenary sessions, BukSU’s College of Technologies (COT) and the Artifablab presented their community-focused projects, research, and innovations.

Students from various schools contributed new ideas as they presented systems and applications at the reverse pitching competition, a platform applying their technical skills to real-world government challenges, aimed at promoting a culture of innovation among the next generation of tech leaders.

“My dream is to help build a smart and modern community where technology makes life easier and more efficient for everyone. I want to use what I learn to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and help shape a better future for Malaybalay. Participating in this event, we can share ideas, gain new knowledge, and contribute to creating positive change. Such events also inspire us to become more responsible, informed, and active citizens,” said Agel Marc Canillo, Systems Technology Institute (STI) – Malaybalay student.

DIGIMC 2025 also highlighted the importance of employing digital governance as a solution to identified socio-economic issues.

ICTI Executive Director Mr. Romeo R. Lapeciros, Jr. outlined the City’s commitment to a tech-driven overhaul of its government operations to move beyond slow, traditional bureaucracy and use digital tools to deliver public services that are quicker, clearer, and easier for every resident to access.

As part of the government’s initiative for inclusive growth, LGU Malaybalay is deploying the Starlink Project to bring connectivity to all 46 barangays, reaching even the most remote communities.

A central objective of BukSU’s involvement as a partner was to ensure that digital transformation served all sectors of the community, especially the marginalized.

One of which is the technology transfer agreement on technology resilience led by the Information Technology Department. The College of Technologies turned over the 3D animation for disaster-risk reduction for flood preparedness, prevention, and mitigation.

Another, Dr. Marilou Espina, Dean of the College of Technologies, highlighted this during the press conference. “We aim to showcase technologies that can help our farmers and indigenous peoples. This aligns with BukSU’s new program on Entertainment and Multimedia, Computing, Animation, and Technology, which also highlights innovations that preserve our cultural heritage,” she said.

The Digital Malaybalay City Conference makes history as the city’s first such event.

Mr. James Michael Fabros, organizer of the event and the President of the Bukidnon Business Club, shared the events exhibited projects, and goals that are focused on improving the daily lives of Malaybalay residents using practical, community-level solutions, with technology as the tool for growth.

“A lot of the initiatives here are very grassroots. We want to reach out to our people here in Malaybalay—how can we develop as a city? How can we improve tourism? How can we improve agriculture through different projects and innovations? Technology is not something we can run away from anymore. Technology is the way that we can move forward,” he said.

“Initiatives like this open up the doors to more people noticing Bukidnon, noticing Malaybalay City as a place to go, as a place to invest in, as a place to provide innovations, even nationwide brands like Epson, Acer, Power Mac are supporting. We’re getting a lot of attention here in a great way to bring more opportunities for Malaybalay and Bukidnon.” (BukSU-Information Unit with reports from Genavev Labora, Shybelle Andriane Encabo, Bret Malone Ceasar Calipes, and Mark Dayday)