Private sector pushes 'government-as-a-service' model for digital integration

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) is urging the Philippine government to accelerate the integration of all government services into a shared digital platform under a “Government-as-a -Service” model.

Insider spotlight:

• PSAC urges full digital integration of government services.
• Private sector backs DICT-led initiatives like eGovDX and eGovPay.
• Cybersecurity bill passage and workforce upskilling highlighted.

In a meeting at Malacañang Palace with President Marcos, PSAC’s Digital Infrastructure Sector outlined a series of proposals aimed at boosting the country’s digital transformation, enhancing cybersecurity, and preparing the workforce for a technology-driven future.

This development was first reported over the weekend by tech news website Newsbytes.ph.

One of the core recommendations was to create a centralized digital system connecting government agencies, allowing citizens to apply for documents, permits, and pay fees through a single platform—similar to the seamless interaction between applications on a smartphone.

Myla Villanueva

PSAC's digital infrastructure lead also urged the government to allocate resources for digital upskilling of Filipinos.

To move toward this model, PSAC suggested that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) lead pilot initiatives for platforms like eGovDX and eGovPay. They also recommended allowing private sector developers to collaborate with the government in improving digital public services.

PSAC Digital Infrastructure Lead and MDI Group Holdings Inc. chair Myla Villanueva emphasized the urgency of upskilling the workforce to keep pace with changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI). “This budget allocation will help prepare the workforce for the ongoing AI-driven transformation of the global economy,” she said, referring to the government’s support for training up to 340,000 workers annually, including near-hires and students.

Cybersecurity also featured prominently in the discussions. PSAC called for the immediate passage of the Cybersecurity Bill to address growing digital threats. In the meantime, the group committed to working with government agencies to assess vulnerabilities and train a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.

“These initiatives are not just for tech experts—they are for all Filipinos,” said Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group president and CEO. “They are essential to improving government services, securing our digital lives, and creating jobs for the future.”

PSAC reaffirmed its partnership with the government in building a globally competitive digital economy, aiming to position the Philippines as a leader in digital services and innovation.