Gov't rolls out digital reform initiatives

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration is rolling out various digital reform initiatives including a cashless purchase system, the distribution of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) benefits through mobile phone as well as the shift to electronic banking for the distribution of benefits to retired military and police personnel, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said yesterday.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that these digital reform measures reflect the administration’s commitment to improved governance. “Since the beginning of the Aquino administration, we’ve emphasized our commitment to improved governance, and it’s increasingly clear to us that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will be a valuable instrument in achieving this,” Abad said.

He said these initiatives have been well received during the official launch last month of the Better Than Cash (BTC) Alliance in New York City, a movement that urges governments to shift to digitization.

Among the administration’s digitization programs are the shift to electronic banking for the distribution of benefits to retired military and police personnel.

Another initiative is the move to dispense CCT benefits via mobile phone transactions.

The administration is also pushing for the Cashless Card Purchase system, which will be piloted by the Department of National Defense (DND).

“This initiative will enable government personnel to use a card linked to an online system for authorized purchases, and allow easier monitoring of government transactions, facilitate accurate liquidation and auditing, and ensure efficient and transparent financial management in government agencies,” he said.

Another initiative is the National Payroll System (NPS), which is currently tested by six pilot agencies.