Modernizing public service delivery: Digital shift at Capitol

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has made progress in modernizing public service delivery with the passage of an ordinance aimed at institutionalizing digital governance throughout the province.

The ordinance, known as the Cebu Province Digital Services Act of 2025, was passed on December 15. It establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the digitalization of government services, particularly those related to regulation and revenue generation.

Authored by Provincial Board Member Malcolm Sanchez (Mandaue City, lone district),  chairperson of the Board’s committee on information and communications technology, the ordinance mandates the shifting of key Capitol transactions from manual to electronic systems that would improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for the public.

“Kini nga landmark nga ordinansa dakong lakang padulong sa mas paspas, mas transparent, ug mas citizen-friendly nga serbisyo sa Province of Cebu,” said Sanchez.

Under the new law, all provincial departments, offices, and instrumentalities are directed to digitize regulatory and revenue-related services, including taxation, permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, assessments, and renewals.

Central to the ordinance is the establishment of the Electronic System for Regulatory and Revenue-Related Transactions (e-SRRRT), a unified online platform that will process, receive, track, and monitor applications and payments under provincial jurisdiction.

The system is designed to be user-friendly, technology-neutral, and interoperable, allowing seamless integration with the Central Business Portal and the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) platforms of component cities and municipalities.

“Pinaagi niini, mapalig-on ang online transactions, digital payments, ug data privacy, aron mas sayon ug episyente ang pagserbisyo sa katawhan,” he added.

Electronic documents submitted through the platform will carry the same legal weight as their physical counterparts, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8792 or the E-Commerce Act, ensuring that digital transactions are fully recognized under the law.

The ordinance also formalizes the use of online payment systems for provincial taxes, fees, and charges, enabling transactions through electronic fund transfers, QR codes, e-wallets, and online banking channels.

Digital payment service providers will be accredited by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, subject to regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, while official receipts may be issued in electronic form.

To safeguard personal and sensitive information, the measure requires strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and all related issuances of the National Privacy Commission.

A Data Protection Officer will be designated by Governor Pamela Baricuatro to oversee province-wide compliance, supported by Compliance Officers for Privacy assigned in every provincial department and office.

The Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office (PICTO), in coordination with the Data Protection Officer, is tasked to implement a Data Privacy Management Manual, which includes protocols for encryption, secure data storage, access controls, and audit trails.

All digital platforms developed under the ordinance must align with the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s National Government Digital Transformation Architecture, the DICT Cybersecurity Framework, and the Government Cloud-First Policy.

These standards are intended to ensure system interoperability, strengthen cybersecurity defenses, and promote efficient and responsible data governance across government platforms.

PICTO has been designated as the lead implementing arm responsible for the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the province’s digital systems, while the Cebu Provincial ICT Council will serve as the policy-making and oversight body. (CEBU NEWS)