Keeping pace with rapid digitalization

Apr 28, 2023

NIGHT OWL

Last June 2, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, launched the eGov PH Super App to kick-off the National ICT Month.

In his speech, the President reiterated the direction he wants for the country in terms of digitalization—to keep up with the "frantic pace" of technology adoption. He stressed that the government must facilitate the high-speed development of our digital infrastructure "to allow our economy to ride the wave and open up an ocean of opportunities for prosperity."The President was elated with the launch of the eGov App, which he cited as a significant step towards ease of doing business, and vowed to make it more extensive and sophisticated as the Philippines competes in the global market for the supply of goods, services, and labor.

The app is a platform that aggregates various government services — such as essential day-to-day core government services,e-tourism and e-travel services,e-payments and banking services, among others — into a unified online system to enhance public service delivery.

The DICT, which celebrates its seventh anniversary today, June 9, has been tasked by the President to ensure that no Filipino is left behind by bridging the digital gap and improving and interconnecting government systems.

Aside from the eGov App, e-Government priority projects of the DICT include centralizing government cloud services, and e-Report for citizens’ feedback and complaints, among other initiatives to promote interoperability and facilitate ease of doing business in the country.

Another priority is expanding connectivity in the underserved and unserved areas, and ensuring that accessible, fast, reliable, and affordable internet is made available to every Filipino.

The Department is accelerating the rollout of needed digital infrastructure and wireless broadband technologies, especially for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, through its flagship Broadband ng Masa (BBM) Program, and the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

Last April, the DICT lighted up the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Phase 1 at the Baler Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Baler, Aurora, facilitating the initial 100 Gbps link-up between Los Angeles, California and the cable landing stations and San Fernando, La Union CLS. This is part of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure (LBI) — a project of DICT in partnership with Meta (Facebook) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) — that will provide high-speed internet connectivity to Northern Luzon and Metro Manila once the NFB Phase 1 becomes operational.

Simultaneously, BBM sites in Baler were launched. This project provides free Wi-Fi to communities so they can enjoy fast and reliable Internet access that will allow them to access e-government services and participate in the digital economy.

The DICT is also finalizing the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028, which is expected to be launched within the year. This will lay out the policies and actions necessary to achieve a trusted, resilient, and secure cyberspace for Filipinos.