e-GOV PH Super App gets support from telecom giant

Maximizing new technologies and solutions to simplify government transactions and reduce red tape in local and national government agencies, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has developed and rolled out the e-GOV PH Super App that would enable Filipinos to transact with government agencies even while at the comfort of their homes.

The e-GOV PH Super App is an integrated mobile platform for local and national services, with transactions including SIM registration, local government unit (LGU) services, job application, healthcare assistance, job application, e-payments and banking services, and more.

In his speech during the launch of the e-Gov PH Super App on Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended the DICT for designing an app that will provide the public with a hassle-free transaction platform and lessen government corruption.

He added that the government would continue to develop e-governance platforms and make them more extensive and sophisticated as the Philippines competes in the global market to supply goods, services and labor.

With the help of digitalization and innovative apps, initiatives like the e-GOV PH Super App greatly help curb corruption. "We owe that to the people. We owe them to be able to do that. We should not allow them to continue suffering from this antiquated, corrupt, and inefficient system," Marcos said.

The President also highlighted the importance of government partnership with the private sector for the successful implementation of the initiative and to ensure cybersecurity.

With access and connectivity to rich data and processes relying heavily on critical fixed and wireless telecommunications infrastructure, the government immediately got support from telecom giant - PLDT Inc.

"We echo the sentiments of President Marcos about maximizing the use of the technologies available to us, with the e-GOV PH Super App expected to improve ease of doing business and interactions with the government," PLDT president and chief executive officer Alfredo S. Panlilio said.

He added, "This aligns with how we at PLDT are committed to evolving with our customers' increasingly digital lifestyles and delivering innovation to achieve our ambition of a completely connected and future-ready Philippines."
Panlilio attended the app's launch led by President Marcos, ICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, and ICT Undersecretary David Almirol at the National Information and Communication Technology Month kick-off ceremony in Malacañang.

Panlilio is one of the founding members of the Digital Infrastructure Group of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). Thus, PLDT remains committed to the government's nationwide digitalization call.

"Our PSAC seat permits us to provide regular policy recommendations to President Marcos, and we are grateful that he has been engaging in initiatives specific to the nationwide expansion of internet connectivity and digitalization," Panlilio said.

PLDT's support for PSAC aspirations is backed by its resilient and undisputed award-winning fixed and wireless networks. As of end-March 2023, PLDT had expanded its total fiber footprint to over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of over 231,000 kilometers of international fiber and over 874,000 kilometers of domestic fiber. This fiber infrastructure also supports Smart's 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G networks, which cover 97 percent of the country's population as of end-March 2023.

The government acknowledges it needs to facilitate the rapid development of the country's interconnectivity infrastructure and digitalization to boost the economy and fight corruption. The government envisions using digitalization and available apps to simplify transactions and minimize corruption and other abuses.

Through the Super App, Filipinos will be able to access and avail of highly desirable government services, such as valid personal identification in digital format, essential day-to-day core government services; e-tourism and e-travel services; e-payments and banking services; and even helpful news and information about various subjects.

The e-GOV PH App helps make government service more efficient and rids them of corruption. Hence, the idea of transacting business with government agencies without the help of a fixer is no longer far-fetched.

The government's digital pivot ushers a new era of doing business with both local and national government agencies. Initiatives like these help provide Filipinos with better customer service and enhance their experience, making them delightful and less stressful.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.