PBBM applauds GoDigital Pilipinas initiatives; approves Executive Order to strengthen public financial management
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr (PBBM) expressed his satisfaction with the GoDigital Pilipinas initiatives, spearheaded by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Digital Sector. The President commends the council for their unwavering commitment to advancing digital transformation in the Philippines.
GoDigital Pilipinas, launched under the visionary leadership of PBBM, aims to propel the nation’s digital landscape to new heights, empowering citizens and businesses alike through digital innovation. PSAC has played a crucial role in this initiative, collaborating with the government to devise strategies and implement policies that foster a thriving digital economy.
The recent update presented by the council to PBBM has shown remarkable progress in the development of key movers of GoDigital Pilipinas. PBBM, in his statement, expressed his delight and gratitude towards PSAC members for their relentless efforts in driving digital inclusion across the country. He emphasized that such collaboration between the private and public sectors is essential for achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the GoDigital Pilipinas movement.
PSAC Digital Infrastructure Key Recommendations
President Marcos has given his seal of approval to the proposed Executive Order aimed at amending the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), specifically the Executive Order (EO) 55 series of 2011. The primary objective of this amendment is to enhance the integration of public financial management systems and streamline related processes.
PSAC Digital Infrastructure lead members delivered impactful achievements and vital recommendations for fortifying the nation’s digital landscape to President Marcos and key government officials on June 1, 2023. (Photo from RTVM)
In pursuit of this goal, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has been working closely with key government agencies, including the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Their collaboration aims to foster effective public-private partnerships and ensure the successful implementation of the amended IFMIS.
“Our President believes that these amendments to EO 55 will significantly enhance public financial management in our country. By leveraging the close collaboration between PSAC and its government counterparts, this EO aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and accountable financial management system,” says PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz.
The Executive Order encompasses several action items assigned to the Public Financial Management (PFM) committee. These include:
Conducting Policy and Process Review on Key Public Financial Management Processes: The PFM committee will undertake a comprehensive assessment of critical public financial management processes. This review aims to identify areas that require improvement, streamlining, or the introduction of new policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Reengineering and Streamlining PFM Processes: Building upon the outcomes of the review, the PFM committee will develop strategies to reengineer and streamline public financial management processes. These efforts will focus on eliminating redundancies, reducing bureaucracy, and optimizing the allocation of resources.
Devising a Strategic Plan through the Development of the PFM Reforms Roadmap: The PFM committee will work towards formulating a strategic plan to guide the implementation of reforms in the public financial management sector. This plan will serve as a roadmap, outlining key milestones, objectives, and timelines for the successful integration of financial management systems.
“Once the IFMIS is amended, it will reflect the administration’s commitment to good governance, financial prudence, and public welfare. Through these measures, the government seeks to foster an environment conducive to economic growth, attracting investments, and ensuring the optimal utilization of public resources,” says PSAC Digital Infrastructure lead Henry Aguda.
The meeting focused also on key areas such as national cybersecurity, connectivity index rating, digital and financial inclusivity, building code amendments, and civil service digital leadership.
The PSAC – Digital Infrastructure Sector expressed its gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for his support and commitment to the nation’s digital transformation. These recommendations highlight the private sector’s dedication to working hand in hand with the government in building a robust digital infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and promoting inclusive digital initiatives.
Attended in the meeting from the government agencies were: Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DOF Secretary Benjamin Diokno, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Valentine Ponce Enrile, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr, Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, and Development Academy of the Philippines President and CEO Engelbert Caronan Jr.
