The eLGU System aims to revolutionize local governance in the Philippines by offering a centralized digital platform for accessing a wide array of government services online. 

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), seeks to streamline government processes and improve public service delivery.

The eLGU System is part of the broader Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) program, a collaborative effort of the DICT, DILG and ARTA. 

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized the system’s transformative potential by “significantly assisting citizens by streamlining various government processes and eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles associated with traditional methods.” 

As of October, 838 local government units (LGUs) nationwide have adopted the eLGU System. These LGUs now offer digital access to services such as business permit licensing, barangay clearances, building permits, working permits, community tax certificates, occupational and health certificates, and local civil registry needs.

375 LGUs join bandwagon

“We have successfully integrated 375 LGUs in Luzon, 238 in the Visayas, and 225 in Mindanao into the system through a collaborative effort with the DILG, DICT and ARTA,” DICT Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol said.

“We anticipate that more LGUs will embrace the eLGU system, enabling streamlined processes and benefiting even the smallest LGUs,” he added.

The eLGU System is also integrated with the eGovPH SuperApp, a comprehensive mobile application launched in January 2024 to facilitate seamless interactions between citizens and the government. 

‘We have successfully integrated 375 LGUs in Luzon, 238 in the Visayas, and 225 in Mindanao into the system through a collaborative effort with the DILG, DICT and ARTA.

With over 9 million subscribers, the app includes features such as the Digital National ID, eNGA, eHealth, eReport, eTravel, eGovAI, eGovDocs and eResume, among others, designed to simplify government procedures.

The Philippines has made significant strides in digital governance, as evidenced by its improved rankings in global indices. The country climbed 31 in the 2024 United Nations (UN) e-Participation Index, ranking 49th from 80th in 2020.

Additionally, it improved its position in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, rising to 73rd from 89th in 2020 with a score of 0.7621, surpassing the global average of 0.6382. These indices measure a nation’s ability to deliver online services, build telecommunication infrastructure, and develop human capital.