by Recthie T. Paculba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — To modernize government services and create a digitally connected nation, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-10 promotes the use of the e-Gov PH.
“The e-GovPH app has already reached 6.3 million users with 25 million use cases across 25 platforms, showcasing its vital role in our digital transformation,” said Regional Director Sitti Alawi during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on November 19, adding that the e-Gov PH initiative is not just a tool; it’s a commitment to building a digitally inclusive Philippines where every Filipino can access essential services seamlessly.
The e-GovPH mobile app has emerged as a flagship achievement of the DICT, consolidating various government services into a single, user-friendly platform.
It aided in reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and promoting convenience for citizens nationwide.
Complementing the app, the e-GovCloud initiative now hosts 1,277 government systems, including key agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and PhilHealth.
This digital infrastructure enhances data security, improves inter-agency collaboration, and ensures the reliability of government services, Alawi added.
To expand internet access across the country, the DICT has also grown its Free Wi-Fi for All program, establishing 13,462 access points that benefit over 10 million users.
Household internet connectivity has also surged, with 76.9 percent of homes now online—an increase from 63.4 percent in 2023.
Alawi highlighted these achievements as vital steps toward achieving the country’s digital transformation goals and supporting broader economic growth.
A 10 percent increase in internet penetration, she noted, could add $6.07 billion to the nation’s GDP.
The DICT has also made significant strides in cybersecurity through the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028.
Tools like Project Sonar have identified and mitigated over 20,000 vulnerabilities, bolstering the nation’s digital defenses.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) has issued 266,000 digital certificates to enhance secure online transactions.
Despite its successes, the DICT faces funding challenges for critical projects, including the digital national ID system and further e-Gov PH expansions.
For 2025, the department has proposed a P10.4 billion budget to sustain initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan and free Wi-Fi programs.
Alawi called on stakeholders to rally behind the DICT’s efforts, stating, “Let us build and sustain Bayang Digital, where every Filipino is connected, government operations are efficient, and the future is undeniably progressive.” (RTP/PIA-10)
