IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

AS a nation that has taken significant strides in the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in virtually every field, from business to education and government, the Philippines has yet another reason to stand proud as the government website has been cited by the United Nations (UN) as one of the best in South and Eastern Asia.

Ranking fourth in the region, the Philippine government website, www.gov.ph, was cited by the UN’s 2005 Global eGovernment Readiness Report as "at par with the best in the world." The UN Report applauded the website’s "dedicated e-services section." The report also noted the website’s multi-topic discussion forum, as well as its recent feature enabling citizens to comment directly on news items posted on the site.

Impressed with the website’s accessibility to the public through the use of wireless alternatives – the short message service (SMS), wireless application protocol (WAP), as well as through a pocket personal computer section – the report went on to commend its "Issuances for Comments" section which encourages the public to partake in the policymaking process by providing feedback. The report also cited the Revenue Integrity Protection Service site which provides instructions and access for the filing of corruption complaints online, by phone, or through SMS.

The United Nations Report said the Philippines has developed a solid presence across all stages of e-government as the national government website covers most of the basic functions and features, while simultaneously developing transactional facilities and venturing into the networked presence stage. It noted additional improvements, including a formal online consultation mechanism. The United Nations assessment clearly puts our e-government initiative at par with the best of the rest of the world.

Quelle: The Manila Bulletin, 20.01.2006