The government will prioritize transitioning to a digital economy next year to help boost the economy and as more opt to transact online amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Wendel Avisado, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary, said during the pre-State of the Nation Address virtual forum yesterday one of the priorities under the proposed 2021 national budget involves upscaling of the government’s capability to respond to the need to transition to a digital economy.
“The only way for us to boost our economy is to go digital, that’s why for next year, the government plans to fast-track programs that will promote digitalization of the economy, the health sector, the government and social assistance, among others,” Avisado said.
As examples, Avisado said there will be budget allotments for distance learning and procurement of telemedicine kits.
“There will also be an increase in the budget for the Philippine identification system to fast-track its implementation and this, together with other programs that will support the plan to upscale the government’s capability to transition to a digital economy, is one of the major concerns of our government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rolando Toledo, DBM assistant secretary, said during the same briefing the agency has conducted its executive review of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021.
Toledo said the government’s priorities include focusing on the health sector; food security; infrastructure; industry and livelihood by assisting micro, small and medium enterprises; education; fast-tracking the implementation of the Philippine identification system; and supporting the programs of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
As of June 30, Toledo said, the government has released P3.78 trillion, or equivalent to 92.3 percent of this year’s budget.
“The government being able to release this much in the first half of the year is a reflection of its commitment to allocate its budget efficiently and of course prudentially despite the ongoing health crisis,” Toledo said.
“For next year, the bulk of government’s budget will be reprioritized towards containing and mitigating the spread (of the virus), as well as to help the country adopt to the new normal,” he added.
