CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (Jul 2026) — Residents in Cabanatuan might soon find it much easier to get answers from their local government. The city is taking a major step toward smarter governance through the AI-in-a-Box program, an initiative from PLDT and Smart that equips local leaders with digital tools and mentorship.
As part of the program, the city is building an AI-powered centralized query platform. This system is designed to streamline citizen concerns, improve response times, and enhance public service delivery through the existing MyCabanatuan mobile application.
Bridging the gap between citizens and city hall
The new platform will receive feedback from the public and automatically route inquiries to the appropriate office. By using artificial intelligence, the city government expects to manage public feedback more efficiently and shorten the wait time for requests and inquiries.
“We see artificial intelligence as a practical tool for improving governance and delivering better outcomes for our people,” says Mayor Myca Elizabeth R. Vergara of Cabanatuan City. She adds that the city is committed to integrating this initiative into its daily operations to build a city government that listens and acts more effectively.
A digital boost for local leaders
Supported by the PLDT-Smart Foundation and Microsoft Philippines, the AI-in-a-Box program provides organizations with a complete digital toolkit. Each kit includes a laptop, a smartphone, a connectivity device, and premium access to various AI tools.
Roby A. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart, explains that the program is about helping communities turn innovation into tangible benefits. He notes that by giving local governments access to these tools, the initiative supports more responsive public services and creates more opportunities for Pinoys to thrive in a digital world.
Key personnel from different city offices have already begun their mentorship and acceleration program. Cabanatuan joins Baguio City, Cebu City, and the province of Lanao del Sur as early adopters of these AI-enabled solutions for local governance.
