The Philippines has been adopting digitization positively during the last few years. People are active these days, especially the youth, and the country is working to use digital tools to open opportunities in various industries and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the urgency of digitalization in all government offices during his second State of the Nation Address. He discussed the creation of the eGov PH app, which attempts to centralize public services for ease of use. One strategy that was mentioned was the E-Commerce Philippines Roadmap, which aims to increase confidence in e-commerce infrastructure.
The Philippines has been allocating funds to improve the digitalization of the plan's fundamentals. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is leading the National Broadband Plan (NBP), seeking to improve digital equity for all and combat digital diversion. Marcos gave the DICT instructions to create the National Government Portal, enhance internet infrastructure, and combine digital services into the eGov PH app. Through its investments in mobile and broadband networks, the NBP aims to increase internet access, especially in rural areas.
To increase public services' accessibility and efficiency, the government has taken the initiative to digitize them. People can now easily file applications and pay taxes online thanks to online platforms. The National ID system, which is almost complete with 87% registration, was praised as the cornerstone of this technological advancement. Initiatives can also improve digital literacy and education by acknowledging the significance of digital skills. Government-education sector partnerships encourage digital skills training programs to give students the experience they need for the digital age.
While progress is still ongoing, problems such as closing the digital divide, addressing cybersecurity threats, and solving infrastructural gaps remain. However, there are still programs underway to use digital technologies for the social and economic status of the Philippines. The Philippines is in a position where they can take advantage of the opportunities presented by digitalization. The nation can and will promote inclusive growth and improve the welfare of all Filipinos by implementing these ideas.