The Philippines has secured the 49th place in the 2024 United Nations e-Participation Index (EPI) from its 80th rank in 2022 which shows significant improvement in digital governance.
EPI evaluates how effectively countries use online tools to encourage citizen participation in government processes.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy attributed the achievement to the government’s commitment to digital transformation.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to making government services more accessible, transparent, and participatory for every Filipino,” Uy said in a statement over the weekend.
Uy noted DICT’s flagship eGov Super App in driving accessibility, transparency and the Philippines’ digital governance success. This comprehensive platform integrates national and local government services, ranging from business registration to tourism information.
Launched as part of the e-Governance program, the app also consolidates job creation, travel declarations and e-commerce services, enhancing convenience for users, DICT said.
“The eGov Super App aggregates existing systems using Single Sign-On (SSO) and API integration, allowing seamless access to government services while maintaining compatibility with current agency systems,” said DICT undersecretary David Almirol, noting the app’s transformative impact.
In addition, DICT is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Immigration to integrate the Philippine eVisa Portal into the eGov Super App.
This initiative aims to simplify the visa application process for tourists, making it easier for them to visit the country and boosting the tourism sector, DICT said.
The eGovPH Super App serves as an online one-stop shop offering various local government services, such as applying for permits, certifications and clearances.
Partnerships with agencies like the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Professional Regulation Commission have expanded the app’s features, including resume-building tools for job seekers, health benefits via eKonsulta, and a unified travel declaration system for inbound and outbound travelers, DICT added.
Almirol said DICT plans to collaborate with more agencies to incorporate additional features like citizen reporting modules, job matching system, artificial intelligence bots and start-up empowerment.
DICT has signed a memorandum of understanding with more than 50 government agencies to strengthen this digital shift, cementing its role in improving the nation’s global standing in digital governance.
