President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) mentioned the crucial role of technology in driving progress and transformation in the Philippines. He emphasized the government's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public services, streamline governance, and foster economic growth.
The successful implementation of the National ID system has been a significant milestone in the government's digital transformation journey. With over 87% of the population now registered, the National ID system serves as a linchpin for various government initiatives and provides citizens with convenient access to government services through the eGov PH mobile app.
The eGov PH app has emerged as a transformative platform, serving as a one-stop shop for accessing essential government services. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been directed to consolidate all digitalized government services into the app, making interactions with the government more convenient and user-friendly.
The push for digital payments has been successful, with digital revenues accounting for 42% of total retail transactions in 2022. The government aims to achieve a target of 50% digital retail payments this year, showcasing the nation's steady progress in adopting digital finance.
The government has undertaken ambitious internet infrastructure projects to address internet connectivity challenges in remote areas. Initiatives like the successful launch of Starlink and the National Fiber Backbone and Broadband ng Masa projects have significantly improved internet speeds in underserved regions, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Tech in focus: President Marcos outlines digital transformation agenda in SONA 2023
Cybersecurity will play a significant role as the Philippines embraces a tech-driven future
At a glance
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the vital role of technology in driving progress and transformation in the country. Recognizing the pivotal impact of digitalization, the President underscored the government's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public services, streamline governance, and foster economic growth. With a vision of a digitally transformed nation, the President's address highlighted the significance of embracing technology as a catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity, setting the stage for a dynamic and prosperous future for the Filipino people.
A significant milestone in the government's digital transformation journey has been the successful implementation of the National ID system. With over 87% of the population now registered, the National ID system has become the linchpin of various government initiatives. Integrated into the eGov PH mobile app, the National ID system provides citizens convenient access to government services, leading to a more citizen-centric and data-driven approach to public administration.
The eGov PH app has emerged as a transformative platform, serving as a one-stop shop for accessing essential government services. Through the app, citizens can seamlessly conduct transactions, access information, and avail of basic services, making interactions with the government more convenient and user-friendly. The President announced that the DICT had been directed to consolidate all digitalized government services into the eGov PH app, creating a one-stop shop for citizens to access essential services conveniently. Additionally, the DICT is working towards establishing the National Government Portal and the Philippine Business Databank, streamlining administrative processes and fostering a more business-friendly environment.
The push for digital payments has yielded remarkable results, with the President proudly announcing that digital revenues accounted for 42% of total retail transactions in 2022, signifying a significant surge in cashless transactions. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has set a target of 50% digital retail payments for the current year, a testament to the nation's steady progress in embracing digital finance.
The government has embarked on ambitious internet infrastructure projects to address internet connectivity challenges in remote areas. The successful launch of Starlink, a high-speed satellite broadband connectivity provider, has significantly improved internet speeds in underserved regions. The National Fiber Backbone and Broadband ng Masa projects are also progressing well, prioritizing previously marginalized areas for high-speed internet access.
The Department of Migrant Workers' mobile app, designed to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) on their journey, demonstrates the government's focus on leveraging technology to support its citizens. Moreover, all government agencies have been directed to digitalize vital services, enhancing convenience and efficiency for the public.
Emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy, the President underscored the government's efforts to combat identity theft and online scams, providing essential safeguards for digital users and consumers. The enactment of laws and measures to protect consumers in the digital space is a top priority.
Looking towards the future, the President outlined his vision of a digitally transformed Philippines, where technology fuels innovation, efficient public services, and sustainable development. He called for active participation from all sectors of society, recognizing that collaboration is vital to unlocking technology's full potential for the nation's betterment.
The President's SONA 2023 highlighted the government's commitment to harnessing technology and digital transformation to drive progress in the Philippines. With significant advancements in digitalization, the country is poised to embrace a future characterized by innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity, propelling it towards a new era of progress and technological advancements.