An Academic Extension-Driven Solution for Enhancing Local Governance NA

Abstract

Despite the rise of the e-governance agenda in supporting local government operations, the involvement of higher education in promoting a collaborative extension initiative supporting such an agenda remains scarce in the literature, especially in rural communities with low digital literacy. Thus, this work details the development and implementation of the Cangbagsa Digital Barangay Information System (CDBIS), an academically driven extension solution that addresses inefficiencies in barangay (i.e., the Philippines’ smallest administrative unit) operations. Prior challenges included processing documents within 2–3 days, data inaccuracies, and limited service accessibility. This study aims to digitize local governance, improve efficiency, ensure data integrity, and create a scalable model for community innovation. The system was developed using a web-based, multi-tier architecture that integrates a user-friendly interface, role-based business logic, a centralized database, and secure server infrastructure to support efficient barangay data management and decision-making. The post-implementation evaluation uses the Updated DeLone and McLean Information System Success Model and a 22-item survey for system users, using a 7-point Likert scale. Data from the survey were analyzed through descriptive statistics and stepwise regression to identify predictors of user satisfaction. Respondents rated all constructs highly. Regression analysis shows System Quality as the strongest predictor of satisfaction (β=0.361), followed by Service (β=0.295) and Information Quality (β=0.287), explaining 65% of the variance. CDBIS significantly improved governance, reducing processing time by 75% and improving data accuracy by 88%. Sustaining success requires ongoing optimization, training, and user engagement. The system offers a replicable model for digital transformation in other rural communities.