Decades ago, the mere thought of having to transact with the government for anything would elicit sighs of exasperation from Filipinos. For too long, government transactions were synonymous with long queues, unnecessary delays, confusing steps, and the use of out-of-date systems. But it’s now the era of a digital government, in which the Philippine government is investing a lot in technology in order to improve its delivery of public services. In fact, innovation is already part of the government’s mandate as evidenced in laws like RA 11293, or the Philippine Innovation Act. This law is meant to kick off a national innovation agenda so that government agencies can implement more forward-thinking, tech-oriented solutions for their constituents.
The Philippine government has also tapped the private sector for partnerships in implementing new technologies, such as cashless payment from third-party apps. Now that national government agencies use cashless methods and other technologies from private partnerships, what’s the impact been like on the Filipino people? To illustrate, here are five pain points that are no longer as painful for Filipino clients now that the government has adopted more innovative approaches and solutions.
Difficulty Paying for Taxes
For many, filing taxes is a cumbersome experience to begin with. They will dread the process even more if they can expect red tape, long lines, and inefficiencies at their local Revenue District Office (RDO). But now, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has opened up the option to pay BIR taxes through the Maya app and other cashless technologies. Instead of queuing at their RDO and passing paper forms and cash, Maya users can settle tax payments with the same ease as paying their water or telecoms bills online. Since they can settle cashless payments 24/7, taxpayers can file their BIR taxes on time without the added hassle of traveling to their RDO.
Difficulty Settling Monthly Contributions
The same spirit of innovation can also be seen in the efforts of social security agencies like the Social Security System (SSS) and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG). Instead of settling their monthly loan contributions at physical branches, citizens can quickly settle SSS and Pag-IBIG payments using Maya Checkout. This technology allows them to pay their loan amortization on either agency’s website using their e-wallets or payment cards. Many are thankful for the ability to settle their loan payments in a timely manner online. This helps ensure complete loan payments, and thus, fewer problems when it’s time to borrow money and withdraw funds from either agency.
Difficulty Accessing Cash Stipends or Allowances
Philippine government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have also incorporated more technology into their various social amelioration programs. Through solutions like using Maya Payout to disburse cash aid, national government agencies have ensured that the most vulnerable citizens can easily receive assistance. The ability to receive cash aid in this manner has relieved many a senior citizen, solo parent, PWD, scholar, and unemployed worker. Now, instead of traveling to the nearest branch of the agency and expending extra effort just to receive aid, beneficiaries can simply wait for money to be transferred to their e-wallets. Then, they can immediately use the digital currency to purchase food, medicine, load, and other essentials.
Difficulty Renewing Passports, Licenses, or Clearances
One long-standing pain point that Filipinos have had with government agencies is the renewal of key documents like passports, driver’s licenses, or clearances. In earlier decades, Filipinos would have to wait weeks or even months to properly book appointments for renewal. Along the way, they might also deal with unreliable IT systems and even more red tape at the offices themselves. The frustration might even lead them to consider unethical means of getting their documents renewed, like turning to fixers or getting fake IDs made. In recent years, however, agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have taken action. These agencies have streamlined their IT environments, made online appointment booking and application fee payments possible, and taken harder stances against fixers. In their cases, the pursuit of innovation has gone hand in hand with the pursuit of greater transparency.
Difficulty Passing Application Requirements to Open a Business
Though many Filipinos dream of starting their own businesses, a number are discouraged from doing so because of how complicated the application process seems. But in an effort to generate more wealth and create more jobs in the private sector, the Philippine government has advocated for easier business permit and licensing applications. Individual local government units (LGUs) have streamlined their business application processes to accommodate online document submission and application fee payment. In addition, it’s also easy to register a business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) online.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Innovation in Public Services Today
The pain points listed above are not mere nuisances for ordinary Filipinos. For many, good experiences with government offices determine their overall wellbeing, livelihood, and opportunities for advancement. The Philippine government must continue with its advocacy for innovation in public services so that its constituents can lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Luckily, government agencies can also turn to their private sector partners and to civil society volunteers. These non-government stakeholders are more than willing to help them in their quest to improve and modernize public services. Here’s to an innovative and collaborative environment that puts the best interests of Filipinos first!
