DILG to LGUs: Improve digital platforms in communities

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units to go digital in government transactions to reduce contact and impede further transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the country still faces the threat of the pandemic.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año urged LGUs to fast-track the issuance of permits and clearances in setting up crucial infrastructure needed for digital connectivity across the country such as the construction of cell sites to improve internet connectivity.

"The millions working from home, the students looking forward to on-line learning, and the workers who depend on the digital economy are all expecting government to address the gaps in our internet infrastructure," he said.

"We therefore encourage all LGUs to beef up their digital platforms in their communities as we move towards the new normal,” he added.

Cashless payments, transactions

According to DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, digital platforms can be a key partner of LGUs in ensuring the health and safety of the public while promoting economic growth.

“You have to strike a balance. We must begin the economic recovery even as we fight COVID," Malaya said.

He noted that LGUs have a key role in improving the digital platform, not just in government services but also in building business and consumer confidence in this time of pandemic.

Instead of physical payments, Malaya said LGUs must encourage businesses to shift towards online money transfer as part of the new normal.

“Many businesses have now been engaging the financial services provided by major payment gateways such as Smart Padala, Gcash, PayMaya, Google, and Click2Pay that have drastically changed our experience in making online payments – from the conventional 'pasaload'  to a more sophisticated process of online payment,” Malaya said.

He said cashless transactions have also helped in the distribution of the second tranche of the cash aid from the Social Amelioration Program to qualified beneficiaries.

He added that government agencies also advocate the use of online payment for taxes and mandatory social contributions such as the GSIS, BIR, SSS, PagIBIG, and PhilHealth.

“Despite some security issues that the government assures can be countered, online payment is also seen to reduce red tape and cost of doing business as all government agencies, through the Ease of Doing Business Act, are mandated to automate their processes including payment of taxes, fees, and charges,” Malaya said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News