The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formalized its collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure faster, more streamlined, and convenient delivery of services to its stakeholders nationwide.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy signed on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 a Memorandum of Understanding for E-Governance, the cornerstone of the digitalization thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The MOU was witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary for Information Management and Technical Services Maximo L. Carvajal and DICT Undersecretary for E-Government David L. Almirol Jr. The signing event organized by DICT at Manila Marriott Hotel was also attended by DPWH Information Management Service (IMS) Director Rhalf B. Cawaling, Stakeholders Relations Service (SRS) Director Randy R. Del Rosario, and IMS Business Innovation Division Chief Mary Jane N. Pantoja.
In his message, Secretary Bonoan said that this initiative of DICT in improving government efficiency through e-governance is a welcome development as DPWH will be able to among others, accept online payments for various services, such as purchase of bidding documents, testing fees, accreditation fees, permit application fees, and other fees.
“By embracing digital transformation, we will be able to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, while also making our services more accessible to the public” added Secretary Bonoan.
According to Secretary Bonoan, the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener as we realized the significance and benefits of harnessing digital technology to continue business operations without disrupting important government services that the general public depends on.
Under the MOU, the existing applications and systems of the DPWH will be integrated with the DICT. DPWH will guide DICT on the Department’s processes to ensure the interoperability of their respective systems and application.
In coordination with DPWH, the DICT will also study, evaluate and facilitate the development of additional applications and systems, if needed.
With an integrated approach in terms of ICT systems development and implementation, the time has indeed come for the Philippine government to transition to E-governance and rest assured that DPWH will keep our commitments under this Memorandum of Understanding, Secretary Bonoan said.
Other than DPWH, DICT has also signed separate MOU for a digitally connected government with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Transportation, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of the Treasury, Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG), National Printing Office, Council for Welfare of Children, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Commission on Women, Credit Information Corporation, and National Commission for Senior Citizens.
