The Philippines climbed 31 spots to 49th place in the 2024 UN e-Participation Index from 80th in 2022, reflecting the government’s commitment to digital transformation and citizen engagement, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said over the weekend.
The EPI evaluates how effectively countries use online tools to encourage citizen participation in government processes.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to making government services more accessible, transparent and participatory for every Filipino,” DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said.
The DICT attributed the progress to its flagship eGov Super App, a comprehensive platform that 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 Undersecretary David Almirol emphasized the app’s transformative impact.
“The eGov Super App aggregates existing systems using Single Sign-On and API integration, allowing seamless access to government services while maintaining compatibility with current agency systems,” Almirol said.
The DICT is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to integrate the Philippine eVisa Portal into the eGov Super App.
The initiative aims to simplify the visa application process for tourists, making it easier for them to visit the country and boosting the tourism sector.
The Philippines’ rise in the EPI is mirrored in the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), where the country now ranks 73rd, up from 89th in 2022, overtaking 16 countries.
The Philippines achieved an EGDI score of 0.7621, surpassing the global average of 0.6382. The EGDI measures online service provision, telecommunication connectivity and human capacity.
Beyond the rankings, 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 (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 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.
Almirol said the DICT plans to collaborate with more agencies to incorporate additional features like citizen reporting modules, job matching system, artificial antelligence (AI) bots and start-up empowerment.
“Our vision is to empower Filipinos with a citizen-centric solution that simplifies their interactions with the government,” he said.
The DICT signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with more than 50 government agencies to strengthen this digital shift, cementing its role in improving the nation’s global standing in digital governance.
