DICT seeks PHP 18B budget next year to strengthen eGovPH and digital infrastructure

The DICT hopes to secure a budget of PHP 18 billion next year to beef up the country’s digital services and connectivity programs.

File Photo: eGOVPH App

Boosted eGovPH, digital network eyed

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda was confident his agency could score the massive funding under the proposed PHP 7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.

Once obtained, the official said the DICT would earmark PHP 2.7 billion for its e-government (e-Gov) programs.

The budget would likewise finance cloud hosting, cybersecurity, and system integration for eGovPH, a platform unifying more than 1,300 government services.

Aguda is also planning to equip the platform with artificial intelligence, allowing for automated document processing.

The eGov app has logged over 61 million downloads and processed more than 900 million transactions.

The DICT also hopes to pursue the National Digital Connectivity Plan, which has already been green-lighted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It targets to provide universal access by 2028 and reduce internet costs by as much as 80 percent through the deployment of fiber, satellite, and submarine cable.

We're aiming to get every public school online ahead of the 2028 deadline. We're already past 99 percent coverage, and our engineers are working with telco partners and local communities to reach the last remote sites by satellite. Free, reliable internet for public schools, barangay halls, and health centers in isolated communities remains non-negotiable for us, the DICT chief said.

What do you guys think?

Source: Manila Standard