The national government expressed commitment to supporting local government units (LGUs) in expanding digitalization and improving internet connectivity.

During the oath-taking of the national officers of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the financial constraints many LGUs face when implementing digital initiatives.

“I understand very well that local government, as I mentioned earlier in my remarks, there is a difficulty with funding for many local governments,” Marcos said.

To address these challenges, the President assured that the national government is prepared to assist through programs designed to increase internet coverage nationwide.

“The national government is willing to help. And that is why we have brought out so many programs. It’s the national government’s responsibility to increase the coverage of the Internet,” the Chief Executive said.

Potential support includes the deployment of information technology specialists from technical schools and the leveraging of private sector partnerships to help LGUs establish digital platforms.

The government is focusing on connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) by encouraging telecommunications investments.

The President emphasized that digitalization is essential for streamlining government services, such as the issuance of licenses and permits, and is central to the success of the national ID system.

With approximately 90 million national IDs already issued, this system is intended to provide all Filipinos with seamless access to government transactions and services.

“I only bring this up to point out how important digitalization is. Because even if the national government is fully digitalized, we are getting there,” the President said.

“That will be the most important document that anybody – any Filipino will have. Because that national ID will give them access to all of the services of government, to all of the transactions in government,” the President added.

-Paraluman News