Marcos wants 95% of government transactions digitalized

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos wants 95 percent of government transactions conducted digitally, citing the need to use technology to render accessible and efficient services to the public.

Speaking during the 86th anniversary of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) yesterday, Marcos said “it is highly crucial” for state entities to fully embrace digital transformation to meet the demands of their operations.

“The government must ensure an efficient organization and an accurate and reliable way of securing data using available state-of-the-art digital tools,” he said.

Marcos lauded the GSIS for its digitalization efforts, saying only 4.6 percent of its business is done over the counter.

“That for me would be a very good target for all of our agencies in government and all our departments in government down to the LGUs,” he said, referring to local government units.

“And when we can say that 95 percent of the business of a citizen is done digitally, through the internet including that of the government. The GSIS turns out, leads the way. Congratulations for that.”

Marcos said Filipino civil servants, the primary clientele of the GSIS, would benefit from the pension fund’s digitalization effort.

“This will not only improve the delivery of services, but will boost the satisfaction, morale and productivity of government workers,” he said.

The President cited the GSIS Touch mobile application, which allows members to apply for loans, view records, track payments and check account status.

He assured the GSIS that he supports its initiatives.

“Your efforts in digitalization and business process efficiency are all noteworthy, as they are well-aligned with the administration’s policy and priority of providing efficient and accessible services to the public as contained in the Philippine Development Plan,” Marcos said.

During the fifth anniversary of the Anti-Red Tape Authority on Monday, Marcos said that digitalization is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement in the provision of government services.

He clarified that undue burdens would not be imposed on government personnel.

Earlier this month, Marcos directed the Department of Information and Communications Technology to help local governments adapt to the e-Gov system and ensure that they are prepared for the administration’s digitalization efforts.  ?The e-Gov system includes the e-Gov Super App, which aims to integrate all government online services into one platform.

The app, which launch is expected next month, seeks to ensure the digitalization of government systems including those of LGUs, to make access to key services convenient.

Other e-Government priority projects include centralizing the government cloud services and e-Report, which seeks to gather citizens’ feedback and complaints.