Digitising the Philippines’ transportation system has various benefits, including increased efficiency, dependability, and safety. Thus, the digitisation of transportation infrastructure, with the assistance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), can streamline traffic flow, provide greater connection, and increase commuter convenience.
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and DICT will improve the management and operation of transport infrastructure projects through interconnection and integration with the latter’s systems.
Secretary Jaime stated at the Inter-Government Agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ceremonial Signing for E-Governance that the DICT’s “crucial assistance” will keep the transportation infrastructure projects on schedule.
“Digitalising the implementation and construction of these projects will not only keep us on track, but also ensure adherence to high standards of safety, comfort, reliability, and efficiency,” Secretary Jaime said.
Additionally, the initiative will facilitate the integration and interconnection of relevant systems and applications, according to the official. With DICT’s assistance, he added, the DOTr’s aim of digital transformation can be achieved sooner.
Under the terms of the MOU, the DICT will assist DOTr in identifying and developing new and existing systems and applications to assure effective and efficient public service delivery.
The agreement will also assist DOTr in ensuring the integration of identified and extant applications and systems with those of the DICT.
The DICT will also develop additional applications and systems for the DOTr and provide personnel with consultations and training for enhancing and facilitating the integration and interconnection of systems and applications.
The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a substantial relationship that should help boost Philippine transportation projects to world-class levels.
In addition, the Inter-Government Agency MOU Ceremonial Signing for E-Governance was conducted as a significant event in which multiple government agencies pledged their commitment to the establishment of an integrated electronic governance system. Also signed the MOU were representatives from the following agencies:
- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Philippines (BIR)
- Bureau of the Treasury
- National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC)
- Philippine Commission on Women
- Council for the Welfare of Children
- Anti-Red Tape Authority
- National Printing Office
- Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Credit Information Corporation
E-Governance is the application of technology to expedite the delivery of government services, thereby making them more accessible, efficient, and transparent for citizens.
The DOTr calibrates major transportation initiatives that will boost economic and tourism growth while providing passengers with safer and more comfortable travel. A robust and well-established transportation network is the key to national economic recovery, according to the DOTr Secretary. Thus, the DOTr’s large-scale transport schemes and initiatives will attract more tourists.
The New Manila International Airport in Bulacan is one of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) most significant Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. Using modern technology, he added, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be upgraded.
In the maritime sector, the transport chief stated that the DOTr will continue modernising numerous seaports, thereby making the country more competitive for trade, investment, and tourism, and ensuring maritime security.
The integration of diverse modalities and services of transportation can promote sustainable transportation and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Through the provision of real-time information via digital platforms, digitisation can also enhance emergency response and crisis management as well as the overall user experience.
Also, it can improve data collection and analysis, allowing for better transport planning and policy development decisions, as well as enhancing transparency and accountability, reducing corruption, and enhancing governance. Ultimately, digitising the Philippines’ transportation system can result in increased productivity, economic development, and an improvement in the quality of life for Filipinos.
