The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Governor Aris Aumentado, through the Bohol Information and Communication Technology Office (BICTO), continues to strengthen digital governance initiatives to improve government efficiency, cybersecurity, and public service delivery across the province.
This was highlighted by the Bohol Information and Communication Technology Office (BICTO) during the flag ceremony held on May 11, 2026, at the New Provincial Capitol.
The report, presented by BICTO Head Senen Bojos, underscored the office’s continuing commitment to innovation, systems modernization, and secure digital transformation in support of the Strategic Governance Roadmap of the Provincial Government of Bohol.
BICTO emphasized its role in leading the digitalization of Capitol operations through strengthened ICT infrastructure, integrated systems development, and enhanced cybersecurity measures aligned with Governor Aumentado’s vision for responsive and transparent governance.
Under the Infrastructure Section, the office maintained the operational readiness of 52 biometric machines and completed repairs and maintenance on 666 ICT units, surpassing its annual target.
Preventive maintenance activities conducted across Capitol offices and provincial hospitals also ensured improved system reliability and minimized operational downtime.
The office further expanded its services to include hospitals in the uploading of attendance logs (ATLogs) in support of the implementation of the new Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS), improving personnel records management and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Network and Systems Section initiated Phase 1 of the network backbone reconfiguration, considered one of the major accomplishments of BICTO this year.
The initiative involved the deployment of key network equipment, implementation of mesh networking, and strengthening of the Provincial Government’s cybersecurity posture in compliance with standards set by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
BICTO also conducted cybersecurity remediation measures in response to detected threats and abnormal network activities, successfully isolating risks while reinforcing preventive security measures within the Capitol network.
To further enhance digital security, all Provincial Government web applications were migrated to Cloudflare, enabling stronger protection through advanced web application firewall systems designed to prevent malicious attacks, unauthorized access, and other web-based vulnerabilities.
The office also began implementing DevOps practices to streamline software development and deployment processes, allowing more efficient and reliable system updates and application improvements.
Monitoring records further showed that most reported internet slowdown incidents were caused by issues from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and external systems beyond the control of BICTO.
Nevertheless, all reported concerns were immediately prioritized and addressed to minimize service disruptions.
Under the Software Development and Analysis Section, BICTO reported significant progress in consolidating databases under the PGBh Unified System, integrating sensitive records such as payroll, employee data, and beneficiary information.
The office emphasized that continuous testing, validation, and monitoring are being conducted to ensure data security, reliability, and seamless interoperability among systems.
BICTO also highlighted that developing these systems internally has allowed the Provincial Government to save millions of pesos from outsourcing costs while supporting transparency, accountability, and digital transformation initiatives.
Among the major systems enhanced under the PGBh Unified System were the PACCO System with Document Generator integration, eProcurement and PBMO systems, the Bohol Skills Registry System (BSRS) for the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO), and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) System for OPSWD, which now includes archiving and status tracking features.
The office likewise assisted in the rollout of the Rice Assistance Information System for OPSWD and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs), aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and fairness in rice aid distribution to Boholano families.
In partnership with the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office (PHRMDO), BICTO also conducted Basic Computer Skills Training for Capitol personnel, focusing on Google Docs, PGBh Information Systems, and cybersecurity awareness to strengthen digital literacy among employees.
One of the major milestones reported by BICTO was the continued development of the new Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS), which is now approximately 90 percent complete.
Major features already implemented include reconciliation, scheduling, payroll processing for Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel, online leave management, and ongoing payroll integration for regular employees.
The office acknowledged that occasional system adjustments and errors may still be encountered as the HRMIS continues to be refined and enhanced.
However, BICTO assured end users that all concerns are continuously being addressed to improve system performance and reliability.
In coordination with PHRMDO, BICTO also announced the upcoming User Training for the HRMIS Leave Module to further guide employees in maximizing the system’s features.
BICTO emphasized that the new HRMIS addresses long-standing operational risks by reducing dependency on a single developer, improving system continuity, and ensuring long-term sustainability through integration with the broader PGBh Unified System.
The office reiterated its commitment to intensifying cybersecurity measures through stricter security protocols and preventive controls aimed at protecting government systems, data integrity, and uninterrupted public service delivery.
BICTO initiatives reflect PGBh’s continued commitment, aligned with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap toward stronger digital governance, secure information systems, and responsive public service anchored on innovation and accountability in Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MFM)
