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| Outgoing DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy (Image Source: Manila Standard/Department Of Information And Communications Technology) |
Since his appointment in 2022, outgoing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy has spearheaded key initiatives that have significantly enhanced the country’s digital infrastructure and government services. His tenure has been marked by groundbreaking efforts in digital identity, e-governance, and cybersecurity, leaving a lasting trubitastic impact on the Philippines’ ICT landscape.
Pioneering Digital Transformation
One of now former Secretary Uy’s landmark achievements is the nationwide rollout of Digital National ID. Under his leadership, DICT successfully generated 84 million digital IDs, allowing Filipinos to access essential services without relying on physical identification. This initiative streamlined transactions across national and local government agencies, banks, and other financial institutions, making government services more efficient and paperless. As of February 2025, the digital national ID has been used in over 100 million transactions, improving access to both public and private services and reinforcing digital trust in governance. According to DICT Undersecretary for eGovernment David Almirol Jr., the digital national ID is a game-changer in the government’s digitalization efforts. “The digital national ID is more than just an ID — it’s the foundation of a truly digital government. It enables seamless access to services, reduces red tape, and fosters trust between citizens and the government,” said Usec. Almirol.
eGovPH Super App: A Unified Digital Gateway
Uy also oversaw the development and expansion of the eGovPH Super App, a one-stop platform that consolidates multiple government services into a seamless, user-friendly interface. With 11 million users and 120 million recorded use cases, the app has integrated services from agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), among others. Additionally, hundreds of Local Government Unit (LGU) services have been incorporated into the platform, including Quezon City’s Business One-Stop-Shop, Manila’s GoManila System, and Parañaque’s Online Services. Beyond basic government services, new features such as eJobs, eHealth, eTravel, Start-Up Empowerment, Citizens eReport, OFW Services, and Artificial Intelligence capabilities were introduced, driving further innovation in e-governance. Usec. Almirol emphasized that the eGovPH Super App is a critical step in simplifying government transactions and making public services more accessible, saying, “With eGovPH, we have built an integrated, one-stop digital platform that makes it easier for every Filipino to access government services. This is just the beginning. We are continuously improving and adding more services to enhance the user experience.”
Expanding Connectivity: National Fiber Backbone
Recognizing the need for robust internet infrastructure, Uy launched the initial phases of the National Fiber Backbone, a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing broadband connectivity across provinces, government offices, and data centers. Before his resignation, DICT had already planned for phases two and three of the National Fiber Backbone to be completed by mid-2025, a move expected to significantly improve nationwide internet speed and reliability. Almirol reiterated the importance of connectivity in driving the country’s digital transformation, explaining, “A strong digital government relies on a strong digital backbone. The National Fiber Backbone will ensure that all Filipinos — regardless of location—can access high-speed internet and government services efficiently.”
Revolutionizing Government Data Exchange
A cornerstone of Uy’s digital governance strategy was the implementation of the E-Government Data Exchange Platform (eGovDX) which has facilitated over 440 million transactions since its launch in May 2023. This platform enables seamless government agency integration without direct data sharing, eliminating costly system duplication, reducing redundant data collection, and simplifying document submission processes. Modeled after Estonia’s X-Road Platform, eGovDX aims to make the Philippines a leader in digital governance and ease of doing business solutions. By promoting interoperability, the platform has not only streamlined government services but also helped reduce government spending on system maintenance, cloud services, and data centers — a step towards a more cost-efficient digital transformation. Almirol highlighted the long-term benefits of eGovDX, stating, “Data interoperability is crucial in building a responsive and efficient digital government. With eGovDX, we are eliminating redundancies, cutting costs, and ensuring that citizens don’t have to submit the same documents over and over again to different agencies.”
Elevating The Philippines In Global Digital Rankings
Former Secretary Uy’s initiatives have led to significant improvements in the country’s standing in global digital governance rankings. In 2024, after years of stagnation, the Philippines climbed to 49th place out of 193 countries in the United Nations (UN) E-Participation Index, a dramatic leap from 80th place in 2022. This marked an impressive advancement of 31 places in less than two years, underscoring the success of DICT’s whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.
A Lasting Legacy In The PH ICT Sector
Following Uy’s departure from the DICT, the agency expressed its deep appreciation for his leadership and vision, which accelerated the country’s digital transformation and strengthened the ICT sector. Almirol credited Uy for laying the foundation for a more efficient and digitally empowered government, commenting, “Secretary Uy’s leadership has been instrumental in modernizing government services and making digital transformation a reality for the Philippines. His vision has paved the way for the future of e-governance, and we at DICT will continue to build on this momentum. The work is far from over. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of digital transformation and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital age.” As Secretary Uy steps down, his tenure leaves behind a modernized, more efficient digital ecosystem — one that continues to pave the way for a digitally empowered Philippines.
