Philippines Seeks P18 Billion for 2027 Digitalization Push, Plans eGovAI

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to request approximately P18 billion in funding for the proposed 2027 national budget. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda expressed readiness for congressional deliberations, anticipating no significant hurdles in budget execution. A significant portion of the requested budget, P2.7 billion, will be allocated to e-government (eGov) programs. This funding will bolster cloud hosting, cybersecurity, and system integration for eGovPH, the centralized platform where Filipinos can manage digital IDs, apply for jobs, and seek medical assistance. The eGovPH app has already garnered over 61 million downloads and processed more than 900 million transactions, consolidating over 1,300 government services. With congressional approval, the DICT also plans to roll out eGovAI, an artificial intelligence layer for automated document processing, alongside expanding its cloud backbone. "We are building the infrastructure behind the administration's digital push," Aguda stated. Furthermore, the DICT is actively pursuing the National Digital Connectivity Plan, a roadmap approved by President Marcos, aiming for universal internet access by 2028 and a reduction in internet costs by up to 80% through the expansion of fiber, satellite, and submarine cable networks. "We are 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," Aguda explained. "Free, reliable internet for public schools, barangay halls, and health centers in isolated communities remains non-negotiable for us," he added. The DICT chief noted that the agency is advancing the National Digital Connectivity Plan in conjunction with the Broadband ng Masa and Konektadong Pinoy laws, which aim to foster greater competition within the telecommunications sector. Source: GMA Money Philippines