Manila: House Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III emphasized the need to fast-track the country's digital transformation to ensure faster and more transparent government services for Filipinos through initiatives like GovNet. This message was conveyed by Isabela Board Member Manuel Faustino 'King' Dy during the inauguration of GovNet Ilagan, spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
According to Philippines News Agency, Dy addressed both national and local officials, characterizing the GovNet initiative as a critical step toward enhanced governance, in line with the Marcos administration's objectives to modernize the nation's physical and digital infrastructure. He noted that the administration's vision extends beyond constructing roads and bridges, focusing also on developing digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery and uplift the quality of life for every Filipino.
The Speaker highlighted that while the Build Better More program physically connects communities, digital initiatives like the National Broadband Program, eGovPH App, and GovNet are pivotal in directly linking citizens to government services through technology. He underscored the administration's legacy as laying the groundwork for a digitally empowered nation, referred to as a "Digital Philippines."
Furthermore, Dy outlined the House of Representatives' commitment to supporting digital transformation through significant legislation, including the eBayad Bill, a priority under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). This measure aims to institutionalize digital payments across government transactions, thereby expediting processes, minimizing bureaucracy, and enhancing transparency.
The Speaker also mentioned the approval of other crucial legislative measures like the Right to Information Act, aimed at bolstering government transparency, and the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, designed to safeguard Filipino children from digital threats such as online exploitation and cyberbullying.
Under the GovNet Ilagan project, over 50 government offices in Isabela are set to experience improved internet connectivity, which will enhance service delivery to local governments, educational institutions, and other public entities.
