By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Digitalization lies at the core of the fast-paced world, where information and various forms of media are consumed and distributed across several platforms.
Such also applies to the Philippines, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated in his vlog on Sunday that digital-ready and future-oriented Filipinos are a realization of his vision for Bagong Pilipinas.
The President noted the citizenry’s resilience and adaptability to such changes amid teething problems during the pandemic, which initially triggered the shift to online systems.
“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay bukas ang isip sa mga makabagong teknolohiya,” President Marcos said. “Kakambal ng Bagong Pilipinas ang digitalisasyon. Ito ang patuloy nating isinusulong para makasabay tayo sa buong mundo,” President Marcos said.
“Digitalisasyon sa mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan. Digitalisasyon sa edukasyon, sa kalusugan, sa agrikultura at marami pang iba,” the Chief Executive added, highlighting the broad reach and potential of digital tools in improving government services.
On various digitalization efforts by the gov’t
President Marcos meanwhile cited the various initiatives undertaken by the government in a bid to ramp up digital transformation across the archipelago.
Chief among them is the rollout of the National Fiber Backbone Phases 2 and 3 on July 7, which builds upon the project’s first phase that linked the National Capital Region (NCR) with various areas in Northern and Central Luzon.
He also cited the deployment of satellite internet to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), including schools that previously had no access.
Additionally, the expansion of free Wi-Fi in public parks, terminals, and transport hubs is helping promote inclusive connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
The Chief Executive furthermore lauded the continuing success of the eGovPH Super App, which recently enabled the online renewal of driver’s licenses, a fruit of the collaboration between the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
This was eventually followed by the establishment of the “Bagong Pilipinas eGovPH Serbisyo Hub” (BPESH), with the new digital hub launching in San Juan City on July 18, setting the precedent for the government’s progressive push to streamline transactions, unify various services under one roof, and eliminate long queues, fixers, and corruption.
“Wala nang pila. Wala nang fixer. Wala nang korapsyon,” the President said.
On responsible use of tech, AI
In the same vlog, President Marcos lauded the impact of technology on improving the efficiency of government services and linking Filipinos to the rest of the world.
However, he urged the citizenry to exercise discernment and integrity in using technology, citing the vast potential for misuse should it fall into the wrong hands.
“Sa kabila ng magagandang development na ito, nakakalungkot na ginagamit din ito ng masasamang-loob sa mga scams, sa mga fake news, sa pagpapalaganap ng maling impormasyon. At marami sa atin ang nabibiktima dito,” the President said.
“Ang teknolohiya ay nandito upang padaliin ang ating buhay. Para ilihis ang pamahalaan sa korapsyon. Para maging mabilis ang proseso. Para mapaganda ang edukasyon, ang healthcare at ang kalakalan. Higit sa lahat para magtaguyod at magbuklod ng pamilyang Pilipino. Hindi para sirain ito,” he added.
The Chief Executive also noted that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used responsibly, lamenting the rise in nefarious uses of the machine-learning enabled technology.
President Marcos likewise reminded Filipinos to exercise restraint in online gambling, denouncing the growing social toll of this vice on families, pointing out that digital tools should unify, not break bondages with loved ones inside and outside the country.
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