Obtaining info from gov’t tops survey on internet use

By Carlito C. Dar

BAGUIO CITY-- With modern technology, obtaining information from government agencies topped usage or access to internet among establishments in the Philippines, a National Statistics Office survey showed.

The NSO survey revealed 78 percent of 8,557 technical establishments surveyed nationwide in 2010 confirmed “information economy” (a term used to describe economic and social value created through the ability to rapidly exchange information anytime, anywhere and to anyone) was practiced.

Next on internet usage were downloading of government forms (74.5%), sharing information within the company (55.9%), obtaining forms from other organizations (55.6%) and completing/sending forms online (50.4%).

The same survey showed 97.1 percent of establishments in the information economy were into computer and other related hardware devices use, though only 91.1 percent had own internet connection while 43.4 percent website.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region, internet usage was almost the same as with the national level although establishments with internet connection was 88 percent while those with website was pegged at 28 percent.

The survey also showed in 2010 only 30.7 percent of establishments in the country used e-commerce transactions via internet and other networks while only 19 percent used cellular mobile phones in business transactions.

For Cordillera, 20 percent of responders used e-commerce and cellular phones for business transactions.

The NSO – Cordillera regional office headed by director Olivia Gulla conducted data dissemination forum last week for regional line agencies and other partner stakeholders on the matter.

Gulla said the survey aimed to collect and generate information on availability, distribution and access/utilization of ICT among establishments in the country.