Towards Digital Legislation: Readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of Lgu Motiong for Paperless Sessions

Towards Digital Legislation: Readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong for Paperless Sessions

Renno Jose B. Gabuya

SB Secretary, LGU-Motiong, Motiong Samar

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000254

Received: 26 August 2025; Accepted: 02 September 2025; Published: 06 October 2025

ABSTRACT

In response to the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable governance, this study investigates the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong to transition from traditional paper-based sessions to digital or paperless legislative operations. With the rise of e-governance initiatives in the Philippines, the shift toward digital legislation is both timely and necessary. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, data were gathered through an adapted survey questionnaire administered to 13 legislative personnel, including the Vice Mayor, eight Sangguniang Bayan members, two ex-officio members, and the SB Secretary. The instrument measured their access to digital tools, digital literacy, familiarity with paperless platforms, and perceptions of institutional support. Findings revealed that while most respondents have access to digital devices and demonstrate a reasonable level of digital competence, limitations exist in terms of stable internet connectivity, platform familiarity, and formal training. Respondents expressed strong agreement on the benefits of paperless sessions—citing cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved record management—yet concerns remain about technical challenges and lack of institutional preparedness. The study concludes that the Sangguniang Bayan is moderately ready for digital transition, provided that key support systems are enhanced. Recommendations include providing targeted ICT training, improving infrastructure, conducting pilot paperless sessions, and adopting clear implementation protocols. This research contributes to the growing discourse on local digital transformation and offers strategic directions for municipal legislative bodies in the Philippines.

Keywords: Digital Legislation, Paperless Sessions, E-Governance, Sangguniang Bayan, Local Government, ICT Readiness, Legislative Innovation, LGU Motiong

INTRODUCTION

In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, digital legislation is emerging as a vital component of modern governance. Across the Philippines, Local Government Units (LGUs) are increasingly embracing digitalization to enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and improve public service delivery. National frameworks such as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (Republic Act No. 11032) and Executive Order No. 170, s.2022 on the adoption of digital payments for government disbursements have catalyzed this shift, mandating the modernization of LGU services through digital processes (Department of Information and Communications Technology [DICT], 2022; Anti-Red Tape Authority [ARTA], 2023).

Despite these efforts, digital adoption remains uneven. According to the DICT eLGU Program Status Report (2024), only about 30% of LGUs nationwide have made significant strides in digitalizing their operations, citing poor internet infrastructure, limited IT personnel, and the lack of system interoperability as persistent barriers. By October 2024, over 838 LGUs had already adopted DICT’s eLGU platform—375 in Luzon, 238 in Visayas, and 225 in Mindanao—as part of efforts to automate services and legislative operations (DICT, 2024).

Some LGUs have become pioneers in digital legislation. For instance, Davao City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod began implementing a “less-paper” system in 2023, reducing paper use from 70 reams per session to just five (Philippine News Agency [PNA], 2023). Similarly, in Northern Samar, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan introduced fully paperless sessions in early 2025, enabling real-time document markup and synchronized access through municipal laptops (Provincial Government of Northern Samar, 2025).

However, in contrast to these developments, LGU Motiong has not yet formally transitioned to paperless sessions at the Sangguniang Bayan level. A preliminary audit in early 2025 revealed that meetings still rely heavily on printed documents, consuming approximately 50 reams of paper per quarter, or an estimated ₱25,000 annually in paper and printing costs. Moreover, digital readiness assessments indicated that only 40% of SB members own tablets or devices suitable for digital work, and just 20% have received formal ICT training—highlighting both technological and skills-based gaps.

Given the growing legal and operational imperatives for e-governance, this study seeks to assess the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong for digital legislative sessions. It will evaluate the technological access, organizational support, and individual capacity of SB members and staff to adopt paperless systems, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges of transitioning toward more sustainable and efficient governance practices.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The move toward digital governance in the Philippines has been steadily advancing over the past decade, but its pace and effectiveness remain uneven across different levels of government. Recent studies emphasize that digital governance enhances accessibility, efficiency, and accountability, yet significant barriers such as infrastructure gaps, limited digital literacy, and the digital divide persist (Andaya et al., 2025). This reality sets the broader national context for local government units (LGUs), including the Sangguniang Bayan of Motiong, as they explore digital innovations such as paperless sessions.

At the LGU level, however, the shift to digitized operations has been slower compared to national initiatives. Angara (2020) observed that as of late 2020, only about 30% of LGUs had begun adopting digital processes, which reflects a lack of structured leadership in local digitization. To address this, the establishment of dedicated ICT Officers and the rollout of electronic Business One-Stop Shops (e-BOSS) were mandated to streamline transactions. Nevertheless, despite these policy interventions, only around 13% of LGUs had operational platforms by early 2022 (Anti-Red Tape Authority, 2022). These figures reveal a gap between policy aspirations and practical implementation, underscoring the challenges faced by municipal councils like Motiong’s in adopting paperless legislation.

Despite these hurdles, there are encouraging examples of local digital innovations that demonstrate the feasibility of paperless systems. For instance, Barangay Trinidad developed its own e-Barangay Information Management System (E-BIMS), which significantly improved record management, transaction speed, and staff productivity (Cabral & Salazar, 2021). Similarly, a policy study in Quezon Province showed that paperless legislative sessions enhanced efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness, although infrastructure limitations and resistance to change continued to pose challenges (Dela Cruz, 2021). These experiences highlight that while paperless sessions are achievable, they require strong institutional support and sustained training for personnel.

In regions such as Eastern Visayas, where Motiong is situated, the challenges of e-governance are particularly pronounced. A 2025 study noted that while political will and basic digital systems are present, issues such as limited technical capacity, unclear strategic planning, and concerns about data security hinder full implementation (Rebadulla & Espina, 2025). This mirrors the findings of your study, which identified internet instability, lack of platform familiarity, and insufficient training as barriers to readiness. The alignment between regional trends and local conditions suggests that Motiong’s experience is not isolated but part of a broader pattern within less urbanized areas of the country.

Similar findings have been reported in other cities such as Zamboanga, where inadequate infrastructure, limited digital literacy, insufficient training, and policy gaps slowed down the adoption of e-governance platforms (Sanchez, 2023; Mercado, 2023). These obstacles demonstrate that while the vision of digital transformation is shared nationally, the realities of uneven technological capacity continue to hinder implementation across many LGUs. Motiong’s moderate readiness level reflects these systemic challenges that extend beyond its borders.

Finally, it is important to consider public and stakeholder perceptions regarding LGU digitization efforts. Commentaries from IT practitioners and citizens often point to inefficiencies, such as the duplication of digital systems and inconsistent support from leadership, which result in wasted resources and diminished trust in governance (Reddit Discussion, 2023). These views highlight the importance of not only providing infrastructure and training but also ensuring coordinated leadership and long-term commitment to digital reforms. Without these elements, LGUs risk falling into the trap of fragmented and unsustainable digitization efforts.

Taken together, the literature reveals that the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of Motiong for paperless sessions is consistent with broader trends in Philippine e-governance. While there is a growing recognition of the benefits—such as efficiency, cost savings, transparency, and sustainability—there remain persistent challenges in infrastructure, digital literacy, and institutional preparedness. These insights validate the need for the study’s recommendations, which include targeted ICT training, stronger infrastructure, pilot implementations, and the establishment of clear digital protocols. In this way, Motiong’s case contributes meaningfully to the discourse on local digital transformation, positioning its legislative body as a potential model for other municipalities navigating similar transitions.

Research Questions

The main purpose of this study was to determine the level of readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of Local Government Unit (LGU) Motiong for paperless sessions.

Specifically, this study sought answer to the following questions.

1. What is the level of digital readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan members of LGU Motiong in terms of the following dimensions?

1.1 access to digital devices;

1.2 internet connectivity;

1.3 technical skills and digital literacy;

1.4 familiarity with digital platforms used in governance; and

1.5 availability of institutional support?

2. To what extent do the members of the Sangguniang Bayan use digital tools and platforms during sessions?

2.1 for accessing agenda and documents;

2.2 for communication and collaboration;

2.3 for document sharing and storage; and

2.4 for voting and decision-making?

3. What are the perceptions of the Sangguniang Bayan members regarding the advantages of implementing paperless sessions?

3.1 improved efficiency;

3.2 enhanced environmental sustainability;

3.3 cost-effectiveness; and

3.4 Transparency and accessibility?

4. What are the perceived challenges or barriers in adopting paperless sessions in the legislative process?

4.1 limited technical skills;

4.2 inadequate infrastructure;

4.3 Resistance to change; and

4.4 data security concerns?

5. Is there a significant relationship between the level of digital readiness and the willingness of Sangguniang Bayan members to adopt paperless sessions?
6. Are there significant differences in digital readiness when grouped according to demographic variables (e.g., age, years in service, highest educational attainment, prior ICT training)?

Null Hypothesis:

Based from the specific questions, these hypotheses were drawn and tested.

1. There is no significant relationship between the level of digital readiness and the willingness of Sangguniang Bayan members to adopt paperless sessions.
2. There is no significant differences in digital readiness when grouped according to demographic variables (e.g., age, years in service, highest educational attainment, prior ICT training).

Scope And Limitation

This study is limited to assessing the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong in transitioning from traditional paper-based legislative sessions to digital or paperless sessions. Specifically, it focused on four key areas: (1) access to digital tools, (2) digital literacy of legislative personnel, (3) familiarity with paperless platforms, and (4) perceptions of institutional support. The participants of the study consisted of 13 members of the legislative body, including the Vice Mayor as presiding officer, eight Sangguniang Bayan members, two ex-officio members, and the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan.

The scope of the research was confined to the legislative arm of the local government, thereby excluding other LGU departments, offices, and stakeholders such as administrative staff, technical personnel, and the general public. Furthermore, the study employed a descriptive quantitative design using an adapted survey questionnaire. Thus, the findings primarily reflect measurable perceptions and self-reported data, without extensive qualitative exploration of personal experiences or organizational culture.

The study was conducted during the Fiscal Year 2025 and is contextually bound within the municipality of Motiong in Samar. As such, the results may not be generalized to other LGUs or regions with different levels of technological infrastructure, financial resources, or institutional priorities. Likewise, the study did not measure the actual implementation of paperless sessions but rather the preparedness of the legislative body for such a transition.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section outlines the research design, sampling method, data collection procedures, and how the gathered data were analyzed to answer the research questions.

A. Sampling

The study employed purposive sampling since the respondents were deliberately chosen based on their official roles in the legislative body of LGU Motiong. The sample consisted of all 13 members of the Sangguniang Bayan, ensuring full representation of the legislative unit. These included the Vice Mayor as the Presiding Officer, eight regular Sangguniang Bayan members, two ex-officio members (the Liga ng mga Barangay President and the SK Federation President), and the Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan. Given the small size of the population, the study treated the entire legislative body as its respondents, thereby eliminating the need for sampling beyond this group. This approach ensured that the findings accurately reflect the perspectives and readiness of the specific legislative stakeholders involved in the digital transition.

B. Data Collection

Data were gathered using an adapted survey questionnaire designed to measure four major dimensions of readiness: (1) access to digital tools, (2) digital literacy, (3) familiarity with paperless platforms, and (4) perceptions of institutional support. The instrument consisted of structured items rated on a Likert scale to capture respondents’ levels of agreement with statements related to digital legislation readiness. Prior to administration, the instrument underwent expert validation to ensure content accuracy and relevance.

The questionnaires were personally distributed to the respondents to ensure high retrieval rates and were collected within the same period to avoid inconsistencies caused by external factors. The data collection was conducted during the first quarter of 2025 within the premises of the Sangguniang Bayan office. Respondents were assured of confidentiality and informed that the data would be used solely for academic purposes. The responses were then tallied, tabulated, and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations to determine the readiness levels of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong for paperless sessions.

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This section presents and interprets the key findings of the study, based on the research questions and guided by relevant literature. The results are organized in tables and discussed in relation to prior studies and implications for practice.

The demographic profile of the respondents in Table 1 reveals important insights into the potential challenges and enablers of digital transformation within the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong. The majority of respondents were male (69.23%) and within the 41–50 age range (46.15%), indicating that the legislative body is largely composed of mid-career professionals. This age group is often regarded as experienced but may not be as digitally native as younger counterparts, which could impact the pace of technological adaptation (Almazan & Dela Cruz, 2021). Although digital adoption is not solely determined by age, several studies suggest that older individuals may require more targeted training and support to navigate new technologies effectively (Villanueva et al., 2022).

Furthermore, only 38.46% of respondents reported attending any ICT-related training in the past three years, pointing to a clear gap in digital upskilling. This is consistent with the findings of Reyes and Santos (2020), who noted that limited access to professional development opportunities hampers the effective digitalization of local government functions. Continuous ICT training is critical, as it not only enhances user competence but also builds confidence in using digital platforms for formal functions like legislative sessions (Department of the Interior and Local Government [DILG], 2021).

Notably, a significant portion of respondents (61.54%) were regular Sangguniang Bayan members. Their role is central to legislative operations, making their readiness crucial for the successful implementation of paperless sessions. As frontliners in policymaking and documentation, their digital preparedness directly influences the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of governance processes (Carreon & Garcia, 2023).

Table 1. Respondents’ Demographic Profile

Respondents rated themselves as “Ready” in terms of access to devices (M = 4.15) and technical skills (M = 3.80), suggesting a foundational level of preparedness for engaging in paperless legislative sessions. These findings indicate that most members of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong already possess the necessary hardware (e.g., laptops, smartphones, tablets) and basic digital literacy skills to participate in digital governance. This aligns with the findings of Santos and Robles (2022), who emphasized that access to personal devices and baseline ICT skills are critical enablers in the digital transition of local government functions.

However, the study also revealed lower mean scores in institutional support (M = 3.00) and familiarity with digital governance tools (M = 3.20), exposing gaps in the LGU’s systematic efforts to implement paperless systems. These results echo the findings of Tan and Aquino (2021), who noted that while individual readiness may be present, organizational readiness often lags due to lack of structured training programs, poor ICT infrastructure, and minimal exposure to platforms like e-Sangguniang Bayan or online legislative tracking systems.

The gap between individual technical readiness and institutional support is significant. As noted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG, 2022), the success of digital legislation initiatives depends not only on individual capability but also on the broader availability of training, budget allocation, and policy frameworks to support paperless operations. Without these structural provisions, readiness at the individual level may not translate into full implementation at the organizational level.

Table 2. Level of Digital Readiness

Interpretation Scale:

4.21–5.00 = Highly Ready

3.41–4.20 = Ready

2.61–3.40 = Moderately Ready

1.81–2.60 = Slightly Ready

1.00–1.80 = Not Ready

The use of messaging platforms and email among respondents was rated consistently high (M = 4.46), indicating that digital communication has already become a norm within the legislative environment of LGU Motiong. This high rating suggests that basic digital tools for coordination, such as group chats, email threads, and notifications, are well-integrated into daily operations. As emphasized by Reyes and Delos Santos (2021), the widespread adoption of instant messaging in local government units (LGUs) has improved response times, collaboration, and administrative efficiency, especially during the pandemic when face-to-face interaction was restricted.

In contrast, cloud storage (M = 3.15) and virtual attendance (M = 2.92) received significantly lower ratings, falling within the “sometimes” range. This discrepancy reveals that while communication has digitized, the deeper operational aspects of paperless governance—such as centralized file management, digital archiving, and participation in virtual legislative sessions—remain underdeveloped. According to David and Yumul (2022), the transition to fully digital legislative workflows requires not just access to devices but also robust training in cloud-based tools (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive), institutional policies on digital recordkeeping, and reliable internet infrastructure for virtual meetings.

The relatively low use of virtual attendance also implies limited exposure to or comfort with videoconferencing platforms, which are essential for hybrid or remote sessions. As LGUs move toward smarter governance, this finding suggests the need for targeted training and system upgrades to move beyond surface-level digitization. Without such integration, the goal of fully paperless sessions may remain aspirational rather than operational.

Table 3.  Frequency of Digital Tool Use in Legislative Functions

The respondents strongly agreed on the benefits of implementing paperless sessions (M = 4.42), emphasizing key advantages such as cost reduction, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These findings are aligned with the observations of Santos and Villanueva (2021), who highlighted that digital governance practices in LGUs lead to significant savings in printing and logistics, streamline information dissemination, and contribute to eco-friendly public administration. Respondents in the current study viewed paperless sessions as an effective step toward modernizing legislative processes, reducing physical clutter, and ensuring faster document retrieval and sharing.

Despite this positive outlook, respondents also acknowledged considerable challenges (M = 4.18), including technical glitches, inconsistent internet connectivity, and varied digital literacy levels among members. This duality suggests that while there is a clear recognition of the long-term benefits, the path toward full implementation is obstructed by infrastructural and capacity-related barriers. As identified by Cruz and Manlapig (2022), the success of digital initiatives in local government depends heavily on sustained ICT investments, targeted training programs, and the presence of responsive technical support.

This finding underscores the need for balanced digital transformation planning—one that celebrates the merits of innovation but also invests in closing gaps in digital access and skills. A robust support system that includes continuous upskilling, reliable internet infrastructure, and institutionalized digital policies will be crucial in transitioning LGU Motiong’s legislative body toward effective and inclusive paperless sessions.

Table 4. Perceived Benefits and Challenges of Paperless Sessions

The correlation analysis in Table 5 revealed a moderately strong and positive relationship between the level of digital readiness and the willingness of the Sangguniang Bayan members of LGU Motiong to adopt paperless sessions (r ≈ 0.68, p < .05). This suggests that as members gain greater access to digital tools, develop higher digital literacy, and receive stronger institutional support, their intention to transition toward paperless sessions also increases. Such findings are consistent with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which emphasize that facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness are critical predictors of behavioral intention to adopt new technologies (Venkatesh et al., 2021; Dwivedi et al., 2022). Likewise, reviews on digital governance in the Philippines affirm that while initiatives like eGovPH and the National Broadband Plan have made progress, infrastructure gaps and low digital literacy continue to hinder adoption, making readiness a decisive factor for implementation (Andaya et al., 2025).

In the local government context, Rebadulla and Espina (2025) observed that although Eastern Visayas LGUs have political support and available systems, challenges such as weak technical capacity, resistance to change, and unclear strategies limit full adoption of e-governance. This resonates with the findings in Motiong, where unstable internet connectivity and lack of platform familiarity tempered readiness. Similarly, studies on LGUs in Zamboanga City highlight that limited infrastructure, insufficient training, and weak policy support significantly affect adoption levels, underscoring that readiness strongly influences willingness (Mercado, 2023; Sanchez, 2023). Meanwhile, practical cases such as the implementation of paperless sessions in Quezon Province demonstrate improved efficiency, transparency, and record management, yet also stress the importance of adequate training and institutional support to ensure full acceptance (Dela Cruz, 2021). Furthermore, global benchmarks such as the United Nations E-Government Survey (2022) consistently report that improvements in human capital and telecommunications infrastructure positively correlate with greater adoption of digital governance initiatives.

Given these findings and the significant correlation obtained, the null hypothesis stating that “there is no significant relationship between the level of digital readiness and the willingness of Sangguniang Bayan members to adopt paperless sessions” is rejected. The evidence confirms that digital readiness and willingness are significantly and positively related, suggesting that strengthening readiness factors—such as providing targeted ICT training, improving internet stability, and establishing clear digital protocols—will not only enhance competence but also increase the willingness of legislative members to adopt paperless sessions. In this regard, readiness is not merely a technical prerequisite but a behavioral driver that underpins the successful transition to digital legislation.

Table 5: Relationship Between Digital Readiness and Willingness to Adopt Paperless Sessions

The analysis of variance and t-test results indicate that digital readiness did not differ significantly by age or years in service (p > .05), whereas significant differences were observed for highest educational attainment and prior ICT training (p < .05), meaning respondents with higher formal education and those who had received ICT training reported greater readiness for paperless sessions. This pattern is consistent with literature showing that formal education and targeted training are strong enablers of digital competence and readiness for technology adoption: meta-analyses based on UTAUT/TAM identify facilitating conditions and user competence as key determinants of behavioral intention and actual use (Venkatesh et al., 2021; Dwivedi et al., 2022), and recent Philippine studies similarly report that capacity-building and human-capital investments raise LGU readiness for e-governance (Andaya et al., 2025; Rebadulla & Espina, 2025).

Conversely, the lack of significant age and tenure effects echoes findings from some contemporary studies which suggest that when access, training, and institutional support are available, generational differences diminish and readiness becomes more evenly distributed across age groups and years of service (United Nations, 2022; Mercado, 2023). It is important to note, however, that the small and relatively homogenous sample (N = 13) may reduce statistical power to detect subtle age- or tenure-related differences, so the non-significant results for those variables should be interpreted cautiously. Given these empirical findings, the omnibus null hypothesis—“There is no significant differences in digital readiness when grouped according to demographic variables (e.g., age, years in service, highest educational attainment, prior ICT training)”—is rejected, because at least two demographic factors (educational attainment and prior ICT training) show statistically significant differences in readiness. Practically, this implies that interventions to accelerate paperless adoption in the Sangguniang Bayan of Motiong should prioritize targeted ICT training and consider tailored support for those with lower formal education, while continuing to monitor whether broader rollouts and strengthened infrastructure further equalize readiness across ages and tenure groups.

Table 6: Differences in Digital Readiness When Grouped According to Demographic Variables

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The study investigated the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong to transition from paper-based to digital or paperless sessions, focusing on access to digital tools, digital literacy, familiarity with platforms, and perceptions of institutional support.

1. Respondents, composed of 13 legislative personnel, generally reported access to digital devices and demonstrated moderate digital competence. However, constraints such as unstable internet connectivity, limited platform familiarity, and inadequate formal training remain as barriers to full digital readiness.
2. Members strongly agreed on the advantages of adopting digital legislation, highlighting cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and enhanced record management. Nevertheless, concerns were raised regarding technical challenges and the absence of established institutional protocols to support implementation.
3. Statistical results revealed a significant positive relationship between digital readiness and willingness to adopt paperless sessions. Members with higher readiness levels expressed stronger intentions to embrace the shift, indicating that competence, access, and confidence influence openness to innovation. Consequently, the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant relationship between the two variables was rejected.
4. Analysis showed no significant differences in digital readiness when grouped by age and years of service, suggesting that generational and tenure factors were not primary barriers. However, significant differences were observed based on educational attainment and prior ICT training, with higher-educated and ICT-trained members showing greater readiness. This led to the rejection of the null hypothesis that no significant differences exist across demographic variables.
5. The Sangguniang Bayan of Motiong is assessed as moderately ready for paperless sessions. While willingness to adopt is high, the transition will require strengthened ICT infrastructure, continuous training, and clear policy frameworks to ensure smooth implementation.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong demonstrates a moderate level of readiness to transition toward paperless legislative sessions. The findings revealed that while members generally have access to digital devices and exhibit reasonable digital competence, readiness is hindered by unstable internet connectivity, limited exposure to paperless platforms, and the absence of structured ICT training. Despite these limitations, there is a strong willingness among members to embrace digital legislation, driven by the perceived

benefits of cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved documentation and record management.

The results further showed a significant relationship between digital readiness and willingness to adopt paperless sessions, indicating that access to technology, digital literacy, and confidence with digital tools directly influence members’ openness to innovation. In addition, significant differences in digital readiness were observed when grouped according to educational attainment and prior ICT training, suggesting that capacity-building and continuous professional development are essential drivers of successful implementation.

Overall, the study underscores that the transition to paperless sessions is both feasible and timely, provided that the LGU invests in stable ICT infrastructure, formal training, and clear policy protocols. Strengthening institutional support will not only enhance the legislative process but also align local governance with national and global calls for digital transformation and sustainable governance practices.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to strengthen the readiness of the Sangguniang Bayan of LGU Motiong for digital or paperless sessions:

1. The LGU should prioritize the improvement of internet connectivity and ensure reliable access to digital platforms during sessions. Investing in updated devices and secure paperless platforms will provide the technical foundation for the transition.
2. Regular and structured training programs must be provided to all legislative members and staff to enhance digital literacy, familiarize them with paperless platforms, and build confidence in handling technology.
3. The Sangguniang Bayan should adopt official guidelines and protocols for paperless sessions, covering areas such as data security, record management, and standardized use of platforms.
4. To minimize resistance and technical issues, the LGU may conduct pilot runs of paperless sessions, evaluate challenges encountered, and refine protocols before full-scale implementation.
5. Special attention should be given to members with limited ICT experience by providing mentoring, peer support, or additional training to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transition.
6. The LGU leadership should provide consistent support by allocating budget for ICT upgrades, encouraging innovation, and embedding paperless practices into long-term development and sustainability plans.
7. Awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs can help institutionalize a digital mindset, ensuring that paperless sessions are not only adopted but sustained in the long run.

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