In line with the vision of the Marcos Administration, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has proposed for a P12.47 billion allotment for the transformation and digitalization of government processes and transactions.

During the Development Budget Coordination Committee Briefing at the Senate today, 14 September 2022, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said that the allotted fund under the 2023 National Budget emphasizes the importance of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the new normal.

Asked about how much of the 2023 fund will boost the capacity of government agencies, particularly in collecting fees and taxes in digital channels, the Budget Chief said, “For 2023, we have a total budget for ICT and digitalization, 12.47 billion. This is across the national government agencies. And for the 2023 budget, we included a section on digital payments of government financial transactions. This is related to the Executive Order No. 170 signed by then President Duterte – The Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursements and Collections.”

She likewise noted that the implementation of digitalizing government frontline agencies is well underway.

“The IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) has been crafted and it’s been prepared by the agencies and now, it’s undergoing consultation. So hopefully, in a few weeks, we’ll have the IRR. And we’ll push for the digitalization,” the Budget Secretary added.

Of the P12.47 billion, the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) will receive the largest allocation amounting to P4.24 billion for its ICT systems and infostructure development. Meanwhile, the Department of Finance (DOF) comes second with P3.56 billion, which is seen to help improve revenue collection.

Digitalization of government processes and transactions was discussed by several senators and the government’s economic team as the transformational program will surely afford many Filipinos quick and responsive service delivery.

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