With less than two weeks until Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary, the official onboarding of the Bilum Digital Platform marks a historic step in taking the nation into the technological age. The platform empowers subnational governments, strengthens accountability, and modernizes service delivery, aligning PNG with global standards in digital governance. Milne Bay Province, together with East New Britain Province, has been selected as one of the first provinces to officially pilot the Bilum program. This early adoption demonstrates the provinces’ leadership in embracing digital solutions and sets a benchmark for other provinces to follow. By participating in the initial rollout, Milne Bay is helping shape how the platform will be used nationwide, ensuring that the system is practical, effective, and responsive to local governance needs. Officially opening the On-Boarding workshop, Member for Alotau Ricky Morris, described Bilum as a “game changer” that will transform decision making by providing real-time, data-driven insights, enabling leaders to make informed decisions rather than relying on guesswork. “This platform will change the way we traditionally do things, especially in accountability and reporting. It ensures our leaders make decisions based on real data, not political pressures.” Meanwhile, Deputy Provincial Administrator for Milne Bay, Michael Viula, welcomed participants on behalf of the province, emphasizing how the platform will improve coordination and transparency across Milne Bay’s maritime districts. “The Bilum Platform is an opportunity to strengthen governance and ensure our people receive the services they deserve.” Also speaking during the workshop was Deputy Secretary for Program and Implementation, Mr. Gordon Wafimbi, who explained that Subnational Investment Program (SIP) funds which account for nearly K2 billion annually, can now be tracked and reported accurately. Bilum reduces administrative burdens, improves monitoring, and allows leaders to focus on delivering services rather than managing paperwork. The rollout of Bilum supports the national theme of “Empowering Subnational Governance through Digital Transformation and Collaboration” and is expected to deliver six key outcomes: 1.    Operational readiness- all provinces and districts will have trained personnel actively using the platform. 2.    Capacity building- staff will gain skills to use the system effectively and sustainably. 3.    Enhanced data management and reporting- accurate, timely information will strengthen accountability. 4.    Strengthened government-to-government coordination- improved collaboration between national and subnational agencies. 5.    Real-time monitoring and evaluation- projects and funding will be tracked for better outcomes. 6.    Sustainability- ongoing support, updates, and training will ensure long-term benefits. Wafimbi said that with Bilum, PNG is joining the global shift toward technology driven governance. “This platform positions our country to manage resources efficiently, improve public accountability, and participate in the digital economy.” Member for Alotau, Ricky Morris, highlighted that the platform’s implementation ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence symbolizes a commitment to innovation, modernization, and progress, preparing the nation to enter its next fifty years with smarter, transparent, and data-driven governance. “This workshop is not just a technical gathering.” “Technology is not an option, it is a step forward for PNG to embrace technology, improve governance, and join other parts of the world in the digital era.”