On 11 September 2024, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) held an Economic Forum with the focus on “Enhancing Business Environment with Digital Governance,” highlighting the efforts of the Philippine government through the EGov Super App and efforts of the private sector through the launch of the German-Philippine Business Action Portal (GPBAP).
Ms. Marie Antoniette Mariano, President of the GPCCI, gave her opening remarks in the topic of digitalization, emphasizing its importance not only to businesses but also in our everyday lives.
Mr. June Gaudan, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) director highlighted the existing services and platforms of the government, particularly the E-Government Super App (EGov Super App). The app aims to simplify processes by digitalizing government services, including e-travel, e-commerce, e-pay, e-agriculture, e-health, e-jobs, and more.
Secretary Ernesto Perez of the Anti-Red Tape Authority discussed the digitalization efforts of the GPCCI-ARTA partnership in fostering ease of doing business in the country. As product of the initiative of the GPCCI, Dr. Marian Majer, demonstrated the key features and process of the German-Philippine Business Action Portal (GPBAP).
During the panel discussion, the panelists discussed the future of digital government in the Philippines through the EGov Super App and the ARTA Champions. Mr. Gaudan explained the current state of the Super App, mentioning that there are now more than 20 government agencies integrated. Secretary Perez and Mr. Divinagracia, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of the private sector in the process of digitalization and e-governance development.
Designed and committed to collect concerns, feedback, and suggestions, the German-Philippine Business Action Portal was launched as the first ever platform on ease of doing business from ARTA champions. GPCCI members and partners are encouraged to submit their issues regarding business transactions with government entities. The portal is live and accessible through the GPBAP webpage.
Finally, Mr. Mathias Kruse, expressed his excitement with the partnership and the progress of digitalization, emphasizing that the German businesses has now found home in the Philippines with the efforts of the GPCCI. He closed the event with a commendation towards both the Philippine government and the business community for the efforts and initiatives in promoting digital governance.
