The Philippines has surged 31 places to 49th in the United Nations’ 2024 e-Participation Index (EPI), marking a significant leap from 80th in 2022. This rise underscores the Philippine government’s growing commitment to digital transformation and enhancing citizen engagement through technology.
The EPI evaluates how well countries use online platforms to foster citizen participation in government processes. According to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Ivan John Uy, the Philippines’ impressive climb highlights the government’s dedication to making public services more accessible, transparent, and participatory for all Filipinos.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to making government services more accessible, transparent, and participatory for every Filipino,” Uy said in a statement.
Key to the nation’s advancement in the e-Participation rankings is the launch of the DICT’s flagship eGov Super App. This comprehensive platform consolidates a wide array of national and local government services, including business registration, tourism information, job creation resources, travel declarations, and e-commerce functionalities.
“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,” explained DICT Undersecretary David Almirol. He described the app as a transformative tool that simplifies citizen interactions with government agencies.
Beyond its core features, the DICT is working to integrate additional services, including the Philippine eVisa Portal, into the eGov Super App. In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), this integration will streamline the visa application process for tourists, enhancing the convenience of visiting the Philippines and boosting the country’s tourism sector.
The Philippines’ rise in the 2024 EPI mirrors its improved performance in the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), where the country now ranks 73rd, up from 89th in 2022. The Philippines surpassed the global average score of 0.6382, earning a score of 0.7621, reflecting progress in areas such as online service provision, telecommunication infrastructure, and human capacity.
In addition to government services, the eGov Super App offers features like resume-building tools, eKonsulta health services, and a unified travel declaration system. The DICT has also partnered with agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to enhance the app’s capabilities.
Looking ahead, the DICT plans to further expand the app’s offerings by incorporating citizen reporting modules, job matching systems, AI-powered bots, and support for start-ups. “Our vision is to empower Filipinos with a citizen-centric solution that simplifies their interactions with the government,” said Almirol.
To accelerate this digital shift, the DICT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with over 50 government agencies, strengthening its collaborative efforts to improve the country’s digital governance and enhance its global standing.
