Manila: Major improvements are taking place under the presidency of Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. One of his administration’s first orders of business is to efficiently migrate government services online. This is not just a small step, but a giant leap toward bringing the government into the modern age. The goal is to make services more efficient, reduce corruption, and help the economy grow.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized the urgency of transitioning to digitalization during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2023. He highlighted that digitalization is essential for improving government efficiency and combating graft and corruption. Marcos stated, “Digitalization is the call of today, not the call of the future, but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today.”
Marcos elaborated that digitalization will support the government’s data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making. He noted that digital payments accounted for 42 percent of total retail payments in 2022, and efforts are underway to reach the Bangko Sentral’s target of 50 percent by the end of 2023.
A significant component of this digital shift is the National Government Portal, which aims to make government services more accessible and transparent. The portal connects various government agencies, streamlining their operations. This initiative aligns with the launch of the eGov PH Super App, which combines multiple government services into one platform, providing easy access to digital IDs, licenses, permits, payments, and updates.
The transformation also includes the National ID System, which has registered 87 percent of citizens, facilitating quicker service delivery. DICT Secretary Ivan Uy highlighted the administration’s comprehensive master plan for digitalization, which focuses on connectivity, e-governance, cybersecurity, and workforce development. He assured that the E-Gov app employs advanced security features like facial recognition and blockchain technology to protect user data.
The push for digitalization is also aimed at boosting the economy. The E-Commerce Roadmap is set to further drive digitalization efforts, leveraging e-commerce to utilize new technologies. The administration is also focused on improving internet speed, with the Philippines moving up in global rankings for both fixed and mobile internet speeds.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of infrastructure development for economic growth, with digital infrastructure being a key component of the administration’s PHP1.4 trillion Build Better More Program for 2024. Projects like the National Government Data Center and the Philippine Business Databank aim to enhance data security and service efficiency.
To ensure a smooth transition to digitalization, the government is providing training programs through TESDA and DICT. Local governments are also participating in the digital transformation by enhancing their services through collaboration and the National Government Portal.
Collaboration with private companies specializing in data security and app development is crucial to ensuring the reliability and safety of digital services like the eGov PH Super App. For many, especially older adults in rural areas, digital government services offer a way to access essential services without the need for travel.
As President Marcos stated, the digital transformation is not just about faster services but about changing how Filipinos connect with their government. The initiative aims to create a more open and equitable future for all Filipinos through effective use of technology.