PSAC urges access to gov’t digital systems

The Private Sector Advisory Council is urging the government to open up its digital data and systems to private technology firms to enhance the government super app.

In a statement on Saturday, the PSAC said its members recommended this to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a meeting last Thursday.

The PSAC, which is composed of business leaders from the country's largest companies, said this measure ensures that government services will run smoothly on a single digital platform.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology, said the PSAC, could run more tests on the government digital platforms to determine areas for improvement.

Currently, the government uses the eGovDX platform which allows apps of various government agencies to exchange data and deliver services to the public. These apps include eJobs, eTravel, eHealth, and eGovPay, among others.

Aside from government apps, the PSAC said Marcos highly supports companies' plans to allocate more funds for upskilling workers in the business process outsourcing industry each year.

Marcos expects 340,000 BPO workers to benefit from the upskilling activities annually.

"These initiatives are essential to improving government services, securing our digital lives, and creating jobs for the future," PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said.

Lower ranking in tech infrastructure

According to the World Competitiveness Ranking 2024, the Philippines placed lower in technology infrastructure at 61st from 58th in 2023 out of 67 countries.

Meanwhile, the country moved up slightly in terms of government efficiency, from 49th to 52nd.