The Municipality of Ubay made history as the first municipal local government unit (LGU) in Bohol to launch an E-payment system during ceremonies held at the town on Monday.

The system was officially inaugurated at Pachico’s Inn in Ubay with Mayor Constan Reyes, Provincical Treasurer Estaquio Socorin and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) officials in attendance.

Reyes lauded the Munincipal Treasurer’s Office (MTO) under Elizabeth B. Pabellan for their initiative in introducing the modern means in paying taxes and fees through an online system seen to provide convenience to taxpayers and hasten payment processes.

For his part, Socorin expressed optimism that the digitalization of the town’s collection system would thwart corruption.

“Wala nay korapsyon niini kay ang collection dili naman masulod sa bulsa kay adto naman maderetso sa panudlanan sa lungsod,” he said.

Emelyn M. Justiniano, LBP assistant vice president for cash management solutions, explained the mechanics, advantages and salient features of E-payment.

She said that taxpayers will no longer be inconvenienced with queueing at the MTO as payments can be made online from any place and at any time.

The new payment system is also seen to do away with the risks in carrying cash all the way to the MTO.

Other resource speakers of the launching included Dexter C. Ruiz, LBP-Tagbilaran City head; Ma. Gracia Galano, Talibon LBP head; Cecilio B. Clarete, LBP Bohol Lending Center head and Mary Ann Gabo, Ubay Development Bank of the Philippines branch cashier.

Governor Art Yap was represented by Senen Bojos of the Bohol Information and Communications Technology Unit.

Punong barangays, Barangay treasurers, heads of offices of LGU-Ubay, representatives from the business sector and other stakeholders were also in attendance. (Wenny Reyes)