Philippines jumps 31 spots in 2024 UN e-Participation Index due

The Philippines secured 49th place in the 2024 United Nations (UN) e-Participation Index (EPI), leaping 31 spots from its 80th rank in 2022.

File photo: eGov Super App

Up by 31 spots

PH 2024 UN e-Participation Index rank

EPI assesses the effectiveness of countries in using online tools to promote citizen participation in governmental processes.

Ivan John Uy, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated that this achievement aligns with 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.

According to the DICT, one of the main reasons behind this success is the introduction of its flagship eGov Super App.

To recap, the eGov Super App is a comprehensive platform that integrates national and local government services, ranging from business registration to tourism information. The app streamlines job creation, travel declarations, and e-commerce services, making it more convenient for users.

DICT Undersecretary David Almirol also emphasized the app's transformative impact

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, Almirol explained.

DICT is also 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 boost tourism.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' progress in the EPI is reflected in its rise in the UN's E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The country has moved up from the 89th position in 2022 to the 73rd spot.

The Philippines achieved an EGDI score of 0.7621, surpassing the global average of 0.6382.

EGDI measures online service provision, telecommunication connectivity, and human capacity.  

The eGovPH Super App serves as an online one-stop shop offering various local government services such as applying for permits, certifications, and clearances.

To enhance the app's features, partnerships with agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have been forged as well. Some of the new features include resume-building tools for job seekers, health benefits via eKonsulta, and a unified travel declaration system for inbound and outbound travelers.  

According to Almirol, 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.

To recap, the DICT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with over 50 government agencies to bolster this digital transformation.