DICT supports proposed e-governance act

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expressed its full support for Senate Bill 1738 or the proposed “E-Governance Act of 2020” filed by Sen. Bong Go that seeks to institutionalize e-governance in the Philippines to cope with the transition to the new normal amid challenges posed by COVID-19.

The DICT said that it was confident that the proposed legislation, once enacted, will complement and enhance its current efforts to transform public service delivery through prioritization of digitalization initiatives in line with President Duterte’s call to “make physical queuing a thing of the past” during his 5th State of the Nation Address.

“We are ramping up our digitalization plans to accelerate solid client-responsive reforms and the filing of Senator Go of the bill is a welcome development towards an apparent shared vision between the executive and the legislative when it comes to national digital transformation,” DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said.

The proposed legislation aims to establish an integrated and interoperable information system for the whole of government, an internal records management system, information database and digital portals for government services. The bill also aims to do away with paper-based and outdated models of bureaucratic work within government agencies and units to improve efficiency.

The proposed bill also envisions the establishment of the Integrated Government Network (IGN) which shall serve as the primary mode of information and resource sharing within government. It shall serve as the government’s focal information management tool and communications network.

“In an age where almost everything can be done online and through other digital platforms, the government must harness the power of information and communications technology to better serve its purpose and bring the government closer to the people,” Go said.

The DICT is currently focusing on interconnecting government agencies and integrating their services towards a long-term target of seamless interoperation.

DICT said it was focusing on various digitalization solutions under its ICT-enabled government agenda, which includes both a strengthening of existing platforms as well as looking into inter-sectoral initiatives to improve public service delivery for a recalibrated “digital government.”

It is improving government interconnectivity with the Philippine Government Network (GovNet), which provides government offices with high speed broadband connection linked to a secure data center, allowing the processing and transfer of sizeable data for more efficient public services.

GovNet interconnects government agencies to promote better information exchange and improve accessibility of resources.