Manila- The pandemic has highlighted the important role of the digital ecosystem in delivering services efficiently as the demand for connectivity grows.
Many physical stores and offices couldn't adapt to the digital world and struggled or closed during the pandemic, but those that went online were profitable and others prospered.
Led by Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, DICT has promised to provide Filipinos with digital tools that will help the economy recover and make the Philippines more "competitive". ..
“We see that there are so many things that are in store for us in this current administration. Our digitalization efforts will be pushing through with more vitality, with more energy, and we have a president who is digitally in-tuned with what is really needed in terms of information and communication technology to make the country really move forward,” Uy said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
How does it work? DICT seeks to work with legislators to address the government's bureaucracy.
"As I may say, many of our regulations on procurement and public services are very restrictive and medieval. We work with the legislature to ease bureaucracy and technology-enabled governance. And we need to implement changes to drive a technology-enabled economy, "said Uy.
He also emphasized the need for a budget that would enable the implementation of DICT plans and the construction of the necessary infrastructure. "I hope Congressmen will give us money to implement all this digital infrastructure that needs to be installed all over the country," he said.
With these programs, DICT hopes to boost the country's economy, make its people digitally competitive around the world, and fulfill the president's march orders.
"I will continue that mission until the end of his tenure, and when the time comes, I'll tell the president." Sir, the mission has been accomplished, "Uy said.
Digitization and electronic governance
Given the growing demand for online availability of government services during the pandemic, DICT will promote the digitization, harmonization, and standardization of data between government agencies to improve public services.
"My goal is to fuel the government once and all that information is currently being collected. If the DFA needs it, throw the data there. Four more You don't have to fill out a form, and you just need to verify your identity through the National Identity System, "said Uy, with the Philippine identification system (PhilSys) rolled out in 2019.
According to the World Bank, along with PhilSys, the Philippines provided a "great example" of government to address the gaps in the digital ecosystem by strengthening basic identity, digital data governance, and digital payment systems.
DICT is also driving the transition to online payment systems with government transactions to avoid corruption.
"I'm sure many will not be happy with it, but we need to do it to minimize the chance of corruption," he said. Especially by stopping the handling of cash, "he said.
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Connect remote communities
DICT prioritizes remote community connectivity. These areas are being ignored by commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) due to location issues and have minimal, if not negative, margins.
As a short-term solution, the "Free Wi-Fi for All" program launched by the previous administration will continue to be rolled out nationwide.
"At least initially, we'll focus on many areas where the device is already deployed, except that the missing part is either the last mile or the middle mile that provides the connection," he said. Told.
In those areas, he said, the expected entry of Starlink, a satellite-based ISP under SpaceX in Elon Musk, would provide high-speed Internet in geographically isolated areas through the deployment of low-Earth orbit satellites. ..
Starlink is said to offer low-latency Internet services up to 200 megabits per second (Mbps), with satellite dishes costing about $ 500 (about PHP 28,000) and monthly costs of about $ 100 to $ 200. ..
"These things don't have to be in individual homes and can be shared with the community. I think it's strategic."
Starlink is expected to gradually begin rolling out services nationwide by the final quarter of 2022 after expressing its desire to make the Philippines the first place in Southeast Asia.
"We are deploying the red carpet and doing everything we can to help them make it happen. I hope soon. I'm not sure about the date yet, but I hope it will be within a year. "
Online shop for MSMEs
Digital transformation has become an almost essential necessity for businesses, but its cost and knowledge have become exorbitant for some businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In response, DICT, like other online stores such as Lazada and Shopee, is creating an online shopping platform that provides a complete e-commerce ecosystem, from raw material procurement and marketing to electronic payment systems.
"You don't have to design or develop your own website or hire a system integrator or programmer. They won't know who to hire. And when they talk to the big guys, they don't care. .. They are MSMEs, so they can't afford big ones. So the government has to intervene, "he said.
The platform is intended to help DICT operate in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry to help businesses move "seamlessly" into the world of e-commerce.
He said he didn't have to design and develop his own website to grow his business online, the government designed the platform, and MSME simply had to "register and participate."
"[It] helps them change their stores and launch them seamlessly into the world of e-commerce. Kasi 'yan ang challenges nila (because it's a challenge for her). Where are they going to hire a web designer?" He said.
The project aims to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which closed many companies while other online-adapted companies are thriving.
"We couldn't move our business to an e-commerce platform because of challenges. We're here. We'll solve these challenges for them and make it easier for them." Said Uy.
National Broadband Plan
DICT continues its National Broadband Program (NBP) to provide the government with its own "digital backbone", as most governments still rely on data centers and Internet services owned and operated by the private sector. increase. Not only their services, but also their security.
"Especially in cybersecurity, one big institution may manage all the cybersecurity infrastructure, so you don't have to do it on the" island "of IT (information technology) wealth," he said. Told.
A single digital backbone across the Philippine government will also enable the hiring of "world-class" cybersecurity professionals.
"We can't afford it in every sector, but if it's government-wide, we can offer a more robust and top-notch system," he said.
Cybercrime and digital literacy
As much of the world goes online, governments need to continue to enforce laws and keep Filipinos safe in cyberspace.
Through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, DICT works with other law enforcement agencies in the Philippines and elsewhere to catch cybercriminals, especially those involved in the exploitation of children.
"Child pornography is actually an international crime and is occurring in all countries, so all countries must work together to eliminate this threat," he said.
In addition, DICT will work with the Department of Education to improve the country's digital workforce, digital awareness and digital literacy, especially among young people.
"Young people learn that literacy in the digital world is part of their language. How to protect yourself from these cyber criminals and cyber scammers, and how to address the many concerns associated with technology." Stated.