"In an era where technology profoundly impacts every facet of our lives, it is only fitting that we harness its potential to address some of our most pressing developmental and service delivery challenges at the subnational level.” These were the sentiments shared by David Wau, the acting Deputy Secretary of the operations wing of Department of Implementation & Rural Development during the Bilum Digital Platform testing in Kokopo, East New Britain on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. The newly introduced Digital reporting system according to a media release, will make it easier for national and subnational administrations to share knowledge, collaborate on projects and ensure that development is both holistic, within the confines of the governance framework in the country. Acting Deputy Secretray Wau stated that the digital platform called ‘Bilum’, is a digital reporting system developed by the DIRD that will now assist provinces and districts to continuously assess the progress of their initiatives through the Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSIP) during the Bilum Digital Platform testing, ratification, readiness, consultation and awareness workshop rollout exercise. “Let’s talk about the foundation on which the Bilum Digital Platform rests: its drive to enhance the implementation of development and service delivery programs at the sub-national level with the SIP. “Sub-national authorities often grapple with many challenges, from a lack of capacity to decentralized data systems." Wau is also the National Extension Team (NET) leader and mentioned that the Bilum Platform emerges as a solution, offering a consolidated platform that streamlines developmental initiatives, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, resources are utilized optimally and outcomes align with our broader goals encapsulated in the MTDP IV, PNGDSP 2010-2030 and Vision 2050. “It allows the government as decision-makers, technocrats as implementers and citizens as beneficiaries, to have a clear view of how decisions are made, how resources are utilized and how challenges are addressed." The whole of government approach and effective coordination are at the heart of ensuring good governance, that’s what the Bilum Digital Platform is trying to foster and achieve. He stated that Bilum’s commitment to strengthening monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting is noteworthy, as many of us are aware, the success of any program is not solely determined at its culmination but throughout its lifecycle. “The pillar of the Bilum Digital Platform is its unwavering dedication to reinforcing good governance, accountability, and transparency." "In an age where information is power, Bilum provides a transparent window into the workings of governance." "This transparency fosters trust, an invaluable commodity in the relationship between the three-tier government and the public.“ “By ensuring that processes are transparent, decisions are accountable, and governance is participatory, Bilum sets the gold standard for how modern governance should function. Bilum’s ultimate aim as he further added, is to improve service delivery, at the end of the day, the success of any government program is measured by its impact on the ground. “With Bilum, the goal is clear: to ensure that development and services through the SIP (PSIP/DSIP) reach those who need them most, in the most efficient and effective manner." "Whether it’s healthcare, education, infrastructure, or any other essential service, Bilum’s platform ensures that the delivery mechanisms are robust, responsive, compliant and reliable." Meanwhile Wau stressed that the Bilum Digital Platform is not just a tool but is also a paradigm shift and a reform agenda in how we approach development and service delivery. “By centralizing information, fostering transparency, prioritizing accountability, championing efficiency, and enhancing data-driven decisions, Bilum stands as a testament to what we can achieve when technology and purpose converge.”