The Department of Finance (DOF) said the government's lack of a unified approach to digital transformation has slowed down efforts to make business easier, streamline processes, speed up responses, and deliver public services promptly.

In a statement on Saturday, Feb. 3, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that President Marcos has issued a "very clear" directive for government offices, that is to expedite the integration of digital technologies across the bureaucracy.

Recto, however, noted the lack of a unified policy direction that is needed to facilitate rapid digital transformation.

For this reason, the finance chief has urged public leaders during the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Leadership Conference to team up in developing a unified policy direction towards President Marcos’ goal.

“Government offices must rapidly integrate digital technologies across the bureaucracy to enhance the ease of doing business, streamline processes, expedite responses, and promptly deliver public services to our people,” Recto said.

Recto acknowledged the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) as a crucial asset in the government's efforts to establish a unified policy direction for the comprehensive digital transformation of public services.

The PMDP is the Philippine government’s intensive training program that provides comprehensive learning opportunities for those in public service, helping them understand the vital role government officers play in the development process.

Program participants are equipped with leadership and management skills to raise competent public servants.

It is overseen by an Inter-Agency Steering Committee composed of the DOF, the Department of Budget and Management, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Civil Service Commission, and the Career Executive Service Board.

The finance chief urged public leaders to leverage the program as a platform for sharing insights and experiences to identify and implement best practices toward achieving a digitally transformed and future-proof Philippine government.

Recto also emphasized that the DOF has not only responded to the President’s call but has made substantial progress in embracing digitalization.

Additionally, both the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs have implemented electronic tax payment and filing channels, as well as modernized customs processes, contributing to improved tax collection.

Recto also said the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) digitalization program, which has significantly increased the number of registered corporations in the country, fostering continued business growth.