Government Agencies and GCash Accelerate Digital Philippines Transformation, Boosting Transparency and Public Service Delivery

In line with the government’s vision to eliminate red tape and corruption, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the country’s leading finance app GCash, convened to champion the complete digitalization of public services. The workshop, “GCash for the Nation: Building Capabilities Toward a Sustainable Digital Ecosystem,” was held at the ARTA premises in the UP-AyalaLand Technohub, Quezon City.

Bringing together leaders from economic, regulatory, and local government sectors, the session underscored a shared commitment that digital transformation is key to transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered governance. 

“Digitalization is not just ease of doing business but an assurance against undesired allegations such as corruption. Every time we move a process online, we create a system that is accountable, traceable, and citizen-centered,” said ARTA director general Ernesto Perez.

Government and industry leaders agreed that moving processes online not only speeds up delivery but also ensures every transaction is properly documented and verifiable. However, one major challenge remains—shifting from paper-based audits to digital validation. BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat highlighted this social shift, emphasizing that building trust in digital platforms is essential for the government’s transformation journey. 

“Digital finance must build not only convenience but also trust. Through the years, we’ve already established financial inclusion, and we have now evolved into driving financial health,” she said.

As the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government agencies in adopting paperless and cashless systems. This collaboration aims to accelerate the shift toward e-payments and digital records, improving ease of doing business and minimizing bureaucratic bottlenecks. 

“The digital economy reached ₱2.25 trillion in 2024, signaling our shift toward a fully digital future. (At DepDev), we are driving digitalization across planning, policy, and implementation while advancing key reforms to simplify business processes. We look forward to working with all our partners to bring Filipinos closer to a more comfortable and resilient way of life, “said DepDev assistant secretary Reynaldo Cancio.

Through the partnership, ARTA and GCash will roll out capacity-building initiatives for local and national government units, enabling them to develop digital systems aligned with the government’s transformation roadmap. These initiatives include digital payment integration, streamlined records management, and strengthened citizen access to essential services.

“Digital transformation requires both technology and mindset. We’re here to build the digital backbone that allows government agencies to deliver faster, cleaner, and more inclusive services to Filipinos,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector.

“GCash is proud to stand alongside ARTA and our government partners in advancing a truly digital nation—one that enables transparent, efficient, and inclusive services for all,” Santos added.

The workshop underscored ARTA’s “whole-of-government” approach to reforming public services—an effort that aligns seamlessly with GCash’s vision of “Finance for All.” By empowering agencies with secure and efficient digital tools, GCash continues to play a pivotal role in building a safe, trusted, and inclusive digital economy—helping government institutions uphold transparency, accountability, and sustainable governance for every Filipino. 

“Once fully deployed, we will anchor a sustainable digital ecosystem that streamlines transactions, strengthens transparency, and accelerates the country’s digitalization agenda,” said GPPB-TSO Capacity Development Division officer-in-charge Renlay Concha.

GCash for the Nation program brings digital and financial literacy training to different regions across the country. Earlier sessions were held in Pangasinan and in the National Government Agencies cluster in NCR, Eastern and Western Visayas. These will be followed by the next runs in Cagayan Valley on November 25, and Albay on November 27. Through these continuing efforts, GCash remains steadfast in its mission to enable Finance for the Nation by empowering communities, MSMEs, and government partners through digital innovation.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Smarter Public Service: PLDT, Smart Help Bicol LGUs Level Up with AI Tools

Local government unit (LGU) workers in the Bicol region are keeping abreast with opportunities in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and secure delivery of public service, especially since they serve communities extremely vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters.

 

In a recent workshop organized by PLDT and Smart as part of their drive to support LGUs in their digital transformation, almost 50 LGU representatives from across Bicol learned how AI tools can help them manage repetitive inquiries, improve operational efficiency, and deliver more responsive public service.

 

These Bicol LGUs were identified by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as partners in establishing and operating their own electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), a key component of the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

 

The initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program, designed to equip organizations, including LGUs, with essential AI skills. The AI workshop complements the PLDT Group’s desktop and laptop computer donation last year to ARTA, supporting LGUs in meeting the eBOSS requirements and fully automating business registration and renewal processes.

 

“Our goal is to build the confidence of LGUs in using AI tools for more efficient and responsive public service, especially in enabling entrepreneurship and keeping services running during disruptions,” according to Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart. “When LGUs embrace these technologies, communities become more empowered, more engaged, and receive better service when it matters most.”

 

Gemma Domalaon-Ferrer, Municipal Treasurer of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, shared her perspective. “As a frontline office, we often respond to a high volume of repetitive inquiries,” she said. “The session helped us realize that we can advocate for a Facebook chatbot to handle frequently asked questions, allowing our team to focus on core responsibilities such as managing the municipality’s finances, collecting local taxes, safeguarding government funds, and ensuring proper disbursement.”

 

Rocky Phillip Romero of the Human Resources Department of San Jacinto, Masbate, also highlighted AI’s potential. “AI can support our HR operations by helping monitor and process frequently asked questions and routine tasks from municipal employees and job applicants—regardless of where they are in the Philippines,” he said.

 

James Saludo Flores from the LGU of Polangui, Albay, emphasized how chatbot technology can improve accessibility for constituents. “Instead of traveling to the Municipal Hall, residents can use a chatbot to access information on requirements, permits, document follow-ups, and government fees. AI helps us respond faster and serve better.”

 

PLDT and Smart's efforts to strengthen LGU capabilities through AI align with the PLDT Group's broader commitment to advancing the Government's digitalization agenda and enhancing public service delivery nationwide. 

DTI-TRANSUNION AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS RANKING, PROMOTE MSME ACCESS TO FINANCE

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TransUnion Philippines signed a data sharing agreement on 29 January 2020 in which DTI will provide Publicly Available Data of business enterprises to TransUnion, the country’s largest credit bureau.

The data sharing agreement will allow TransUnion to develop a “firm bureau database” to expand distribution of its credit information to not only individuals but to firms as well. This criterion is measured by the World Bank in their Doing Business (DB) Report under its “depth of credit information index.”

“Today’s signing of the data-sharing agreement between DTI and TransUnion is part of the government’s continuing effort to improve our competitiveness ranking. This partnership signals greater collaboration between the government and the private sector in using data analytics to help us in policy making and program development,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Sec Lopez further said: “This initiative is hitting two birds with one stone. By working closely through information-sharing with TransUnion, we are confident that we will secure additional points under the Getting Credit Indicator. More importantly, the publicly available data we provide will be processed together with their rich database to be used in determining borrowers’ credit worthiness. In the end, this will contribute to increasing the bank’s efficiency in processing loan applications.”

Following the data protest filed by the Philippine government in 2018, the WB accepted the data correction request of the Philippine government when it confirmed that TransUnion is the largest credit bureau in the country with 8.47 million adult population in its database. This is 13.5% of the total adult population in the Philippines, exceeding the 5% WB threshold. The data correction request resulted in a 35-point increase in the Philippines’ score for Getting Credit and a significant +52 notches increase in the indicator ranking.

“At TransUnion, we use information to empower our lending partners in giving financial access to more consumers. In order to do this, we at TransUnion continually strive to bring in more extensive credit information from various sources into our database. The more diverse and extensive data that we have, the more efficient our business partners will be in making decisions to extend credit to both consumers and businesses,” said Ms. Pia Arellano, President and CEO of TransUnion Philippines.

The DB Report is an annual survey report released by the World Bank. In the DB 2020 report, the Philippines reached the Top 100 competitive countries when it recorded a +26-notch increase, which remains the highest recorded annual improvement of the country since 2010. From 124th place, the Philippines rose to 95th.

With the enactment of RA 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” DTI has turned over to the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) the reform initiatives for the succeeding cycles

For more details and event updates, please check DTI Philippines’ official social media websites (@DTIPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

DTI Confiscates Substandard Appliances in Batangas City Inspection

BATANGAS CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confiscated appliances from two supermarkets during an inspection last 27 January 2020. The appliances included light bulbs, rice cookers, electric kettles, and induction cookers that do not have Philippine Standard (PS) marks or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for imported products.

“When buying electric products, consumers should always check for PS or ICC marks, even if they’re from known brands. The stickers certify that the products passed quality and safety standards set by the Philippine National Standards. Substandard products tend to break down sooner and may even cause fire,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

DTI also issued Notices of Violation and gave the two establishments 48 hours to respond. If charged, they may be fined up to PHP 300,000 according to DTI Department Administrative Order No. 02 S, 2007.

In one supermarket, DTI seized all appliances under the brand "US Tradition" because they either did not have stickers, or the sticker information did not match the product when scanned by the ICC Verification System app by the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards.

The free app, available on Google Play and the App Store, can scan QR codes on the ICC stickers to reveal product information. Sec. Lopez encouraged the public to download the app and report fake ICC stickers to the 1-DTI (1-384) hotline.

Apart from pursuing erring retailers, Sec. Lopez directed the DTI to go after the distributors and manufacturers of substandard products. This way, they can be confiscated even before they land in stores.

Sec. Lopez was with House Committee on Trade and Industry Chair Weslie Gatchalian, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista to monitor the prices of basic goods and agriculture products in Batangas City after the Taal volcano eruption.

DTI Batangas declared a price freeze on 13 January, which set a price ceiling for basic necessities like bottled water, canned sardines, bread, instant coffee, and powdered milk. The team found that groceries mostly adhere to the price ceiling, with some products priced even lower than the set ceiling.

DTI, however, issued a Show Cause Order to a supermarket selling bottled water products above the price ceiling. They were given 48 hours to respond and adjust their prices. The management said that since they are part of a supermarket chain, the prices come from the head office. But they said they will lower the prices and inform their head office immediately. If charged with profiteering, establishments may incur a fine between PHP1,000 to PHP1,000,000, under Republic Act 7581 or The Price Act.

Meanwhile, prices of rice, chicken, and pork in wet markets also remained stable since the eruption. Both chicken and pork were priced at PHP 170 – PHP 180/kg. But according to the DA, since the farmgate prices of chicken and pork are PHP 80/kg and PHP 100/kg respectively, the retail prices should only be around PHP 140/kg for chicken and PHP 180/kg for pork.

Sec. Lopez said that since DTI has no authority over agriculture products, they can’t file charges against overpricing vendors. Instead, he suggested that DA set a Suggested Retail Price for these products, especially Chicken, so the DA can have a solid basis for filing charges.