BANGKOK, 13 SEPTEMBER 2024 - The Philippines’ eGov PH Superapp mobile application, took centerstage at the United Nations Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation held on 03-05 September 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional meeting was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) based in Bangkok, Thailand and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

eGov PH, also known as the e-Government Philippines, is a mobile application that simplifies transactions between the government and citizens through a one-stop online system.

Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes, in her capacity as the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to UNESCAP, led the Philippine delegation together with Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Ambassador Paredes was also elected as a Vice Chair of the Conference.

“The power of digital transformation extends far beyond economic growth—it is a crucial tool for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future,” Ambassador Paredes highlighted in the Philippine statement she delivered at the opening of the Conference. Setting the policy agenda of the Asia-Pacific, Ministers and Heads of Delegation each outlined their national priorities in information and communications technology and development.

Undersecretary Almirol, in his speech, proudly shared with the 53 member states of UNESCAP and other stakeholders, the ways the Philippines has made significant strides in embracing digital transformation, recognizing its critical role in driving inclusive economic growth, efficient governance, and enhanced public service delivery. “Our nation's journey towards a digitally empowered society is firmly anchored in the vision of leaving no Filipino behind in this digital age.”

He highlighted the DICT’s launch of 24 eGovernment Platforms as the Philippines’ foundational play towards a sustainable and inclusive implementation of problem-solving solutions.

“The successful launch of eGov Philippines has changed the way Filipinos transact with government services…Filipinos can now access and avail more than 1,200 national and local government services.”

Other platforms include the Digital National ID with 83 million IDs generated as of date; the eGovernment Data Exchange Platform which allows government agencies to exchange data securely and efficiently; and the National Fiber backbone phase 1 and installation of more than 13,000 free Wi-Fi sites around the country, among others.

The Philippines was among the member states which acknowledged the challenge of bridging the digital divide and the need to intensify efforts to ensure digital technologies are accessible to all, especially in underserved areas.

The regional meeting adopted the Astana Declaration on Digital Inclusion and Transformation which outlines how Asia Pacific countries can more closely work together to bring the transformative benefits of digital technology to all. END

Ambassador Paredes (middle) and Undersecretary Almirol (second from right) with Officials of the Kazakhstan Host Government