Digitalization Project Ideas for Maharlika Investment Fund

Although most of us have much to know about the Maharlika Investment Fund, there are digitalization projects that come to mind where the funds can be invested and be revenue-generating and self-sustaining if administered well.

Some wild thoughts and feel free to add. The devil is in the details, I know. But consider these as big-picture ideas.

1. Official Electronic Receipts

Although a lot of tax payments and reporting can be done electronically, our receipts and invoices are paper-based by default. If there can be a default electronic official receipt, invoices, etc. that can be created, it will make it faster for new businesses to set up and existing businesses to order an additional set of e-booklets. Revenue can come from the series purchase and platform subscription.

2. Certificate Authority and Digital Notary

Invest in a certificate authority that can issue digital certificates verifying the identity of entities entering into transactions. Make it a requirement to ensure transparency in the paper trail of transactions.

This can be helpful also for Digital Notary services and other transactions where the identity of individuals must be assured/verified.

3. Digital Library

As the education system embraces a hybrid setup, a Digital Library can be set up where students can digitally access books and resources. Giving equitable access to knowledge resources. Revenue can come from subscriptions.

4. Government Payment Gateway

There were initiatives of a government payment gateway that have failed due to a lack of mandate and resources. If all government agencies will connect to their official government payment gateway, then the processing fees can be its main revenue resource.

5. Digital Ports / Logistics - Philippine Postal Corporation

Many accolades have been given to e-commerce as a growth driver. An efficient logistics system nationwide is a necessity. The logistics and payment collection capability of the Philippine Postal Corporation is lagging behind in this area although it has so much potential if given the necessary mandate/resource.

If developed well, it can also be used as a special digital port for export products allowing the Philipines to compete on international logistics offerings of other countries.

6. Export-Oriented E-Commerce Platform assuming #5 is in place.

An Alibaba-type website promoting Philippine products for export to the world. If backed by a digital ports program that has special incentives, it can promote Philippine products to the world. Revenue will come from subscriptions, processing fees, and ads.

7. Philippine Cryptocurrency

It is possible for the fund to invest in a Central Bank Digital Currency that can be used for payments and transactions. Revenue can come from the main system fees performing the authentication/transfer.

8. Document Authentication Service

There are government documents that usually require verification or authentication. In Australia, I recall this was carried out by a Justice of the Peace representative. How these paper documents are stored, I could just imagine the volume. Revenue can come from authentication and 3rd party storage fees which are usually required also in certain sectors.

E-Government Fund

The government has been allotting a billion pesos YEARLY  (it might have increased already) to the E-Government Fund since 2003. Developed by ITECC - a body that was created then to ensure that the E-Commerce Law will be properly implemented especially the e-government provisions.

A lot of the projects did not prosper due to various issues. Perhaps there is potential in allotting a certain percentage of that to the Maharlika Investment Fund to ensure that at least a certain percentage of initiatives (if possible 50%) will focus on revenue-generating projects.

I will update this post further as more ideas come to mind.