IMPROVE PUBLIC GOVERNANCE TRHOUGH ICT - ANGARA

Citing the importance of e-government in public administration, Senator Edgardo J. Angara said the effective utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) paves the way for an efficient delivery of public services.

Angara, chair of the Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), stressed the need to assess the quality and usefulness of our government websites to tell whether or not they provide relevant information and efficient transactional services.

"If the government will make full use of technology in the delivery of services, we can prevent red tape and other forms of corruption. Through the internet, people can transact business with the government at home rather than lining up in government offices to obtain documents such as NBI clearance, tax payments, driver's license, etc."

He added, "The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010 recognized ICT's significance as a tool for the delivery of public sector goods and services. On an administrative level, ICT is key to streamlining government bureaucracy, making services and processes more accessible, efficient, and transparent."