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Batac Mayor Markee Chua leads the launching of the GCash City-zen's ID as part of the 19th Charter Day celebration, making Batac the first local government unit in Ilocos Norte to implement the program. Also present were Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Ms. Trisha Dizon, GCash public sector head for North and Central Luzon, and city officials. (Photo by Dominic B. dela Cruz) |
By Dominic B. dela Cruz, Staff reporter
CITY OF BATAC—The city government of Batac marked a milestone in digital governance during its 19th Charter Day celebration on June 23, 2026, launching the GCash City-zen's ID and becoming the first local government unit in Ilocos Norte to implement the program.
Batac Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” R. Chua and Trisha Dizon, GCash public sector head for North and Central Luzon, formally signed a memorandum of agreement during the launching.
Designed to improve government service delivery, the GCash City-zen's ID allows residents to receive financial assistance and benefits through digital transactions.
The city government will initially use the system for distributing aid to scholars and other beneficiary sectors, ensuring faster release of assistance and reducing queues.
Chua welcomed the partnership, citing its role in advancing the city's digitalization efforts and making services more accessible to Batacqueños.
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) also signed a separate agreement with GCash for the implementation of digital payment solutions within the university.
The Charter Day celebration also featured the SangkaBatacan Expo, showcasing Batac's local products, crafts, food, and culture through product exhibits, traditional food preparation demonstrations, the “Kulinarya Challenge”, and the “Kape Kultura Fusion” competition.
Visitors experienced first-hand the preparation of Batac delicacies such as dudol, lubi-lubi, palitaw, miki, and empanada.
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| Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, with Batac Mayor Markee Chua and Batac Vice Mayor Albert Chua, tries her hand at cooking dudol during the 19th Charter Day celebration. Also shown are the Libreng Gupit and the Kape Kultura Fusion competition. (Photo courtesy of the Batac CMO) |
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos joined the activity and expressed appreciation to the exhibitors, artisans, and participants.
The Kape Kultura Fusion drew local coffee enthusiasts competing through unique creations inspired by Batac's local flavors and culture.
Aaron Gabrielle Gajeton took first place with a miki-infused coffee, while Kopi Nook and Coffee Up placed second and third, respectively.
Coffee expert Myk Hernando, owner and instructor of One Coffee Studio and one of the leading figures in the Ilocos Norte coffee scene, also shared insights with participants on enhancing their craft.
As part of the extended celebration, the city government launched “Libreng Gupit sa Barangay 2026” on June 24, 2026, bringing free haircut services directly to barangays in partnership with the Salon and Barbers Association.
The program will continue serving residents across all barangays in the coming days.
For Chua, this year's celebration carried special significance as his first Charter Day as city mayor. He noted that Batac has evolved steadily over 19 years through the dedication of its leaders and the support of its community, with progress seen across infrastructure, education, tourism, and agriculture.
"Our journey does not end with the success we celebrate today. We want Batac—our home—to be the city where opportunities are felt by every family," he said.
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