Philippines Seeks P2.7 Billion for eGovPH App Expansion Amid Digital Push

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking P2.7 billion next year to expand the eGovPH super app after multiple outages earlier this year due to a surge in users. DICT said the proposed budget will fund upgrades to the app’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. READ: DICT seeks more funds to bolster eGovPH It is part of the DICT’s roughly P18-billion budget request under the P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program for 2027. “We’re ready for the congressional deliberations, and we don’t expect any trouble getting this budget executed next year,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said. If approved, the funding will cover cloud hosting, cybersecurity and integration for eGovPH, the government’s one-stop platform for digital ID, job applications and medical assistance. Originally built to host only a limited number of services, eGovPH has since evolved into a centralized portal for government transactions, including IDs, permits, and official documents. When the app experienced repeated outages in April, the DICT said it needed to expand the platform’s server capacity to keep pace with rising demand. The DICT said the app has over 61 million downloads, 900 million transactions, and more than 1,300 integrated government services. READ: Marcos urges Filipinos to use eGovPH: ‘It’s as easy as using Facebook’ Part of the proposed budget will also finance the rollout of eGovAI, an AI tool for automated document processing. The funding request comes as the DICT advances the National Digital Connectivity Plan to achieve universal internet access by 2028 and cut costs by up to 80 percent through expanded fiber, satellite and submarine cable networks. The department is also implementing the Broadband ng Masa and Konektadong Pinoy laws, which seek to expand competition in the telco sector. Aguda said the agency has connected more than 99 percent of public schools and is working with telco companies and local governments to bring satellite connectivity to remaining remote areas. “We’re aiming to get every public school online ahead of the 2028 deadline,” he said. /pai