WEAVING THE TRENDS: URBAN DIGITALIZATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Consistent shifts from conventional local governance to digitalization processes has been regarded as one of the
major yet critical implications of modernized society. This study described and examined the perceptions of
locals and local government units on urban digitalization and its implications to local governance among the
selected cities in the province of Nueva Ecija. The study employed mixed method research (quan-quali). It
selected the participation of locals and local government leaders through their representatives. Results of the
study showed that locals and local government leaders highly perceived that urban digitalization became a
significant part of local governance. It was also highly perceived that proper adoption of smart technologies,
efficiency for use and accessibility should place at the central focus to expedite government services and
improve the quality of government service among communities. Also, it was highly perceived that there was a
strong implication of urban digitalization to local governance in line with proper dispensation of decision, policy
formulation and efficient delivery of public services. Thus, it was concluded as perceptions on smart technology
adoption increase, so do perceptions on the effectiveness of the decision-making process. In addition, it was
found out that as perceptions on accessibility improve, the more likely decision-making process was effectively
made.