Ilocos norte: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has inaugurated Ilocos Norte’s first data center, marking a significant step towards improving the province’s digital infrastructure and connectivity.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT 1 (Ilocos Region) Director June Vincent Manuel Gaudan officially led the launch ceremony, which was attended by provincial officials and representatives from various government agencies. The data center, located at the newly constructed extension building of the Ilocos Norte Capitol, aims to become a regional hub for cloud computing, server co-location, web hosting, and other digital services. This initiative aligns with the national strategy on data center consolidation and sustainable ICT operations.

Gaudan highlighted that the data center offers 12 available spaces, with 10 dedicated to the province and local government units (LGUs) for co-location and disaster resilience efforts. This project is part of the DICT’s National Data Center Program, a nationwide effort to build state-of-the-art facilities that will underpin key government services.

Through a memorandum of understanding, the DICT will support the provincial government in implementing the eLGU system, a comprehensive platform designed to streamline business processes across municipalities and cities.

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, who attended the launch, expressed optimism that the new facility would lead to improved and reliable government services for the people. Araneta-Marcos emphasized the importance of data protection, efficient service delivery, and prioritizing the welfare of every Ilokano in the province’s progress.

Vice Governor Manotoc stressed the need for the province to adapt to modern times by securing government data and enhancing administrative processes. He urged local government units and related entities to adopt in-house digitized systems to transform Ilocos Norte into a smart province.