Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel recently emphasized the fact that the agency “upholds a strict and data-driven system in granting fish import permits”. In short, the agency uses a set and specific formula in determining the fish importation allocation for accredited importers. This system precludes “favors” in determining import permits.
A month ago, the DA launched its new Command Center which will serve as the digital nerve center for managing the food supply chain of the nation. Previously, the agency focused primarily with production and production centers. The agency realized, however, that there is a need for volume precision and management for a more efficient food chain and delivery management system. Linked to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) central data bank Osiris system, the DA integrative system will take into consideration weather, demand, production, supply storage, variety, movements, post-harvest, irrigation, consumption levels, spoilage, importation and even government market trends to help craft and implement a proper food supply chain plan and implementation. By gathering the data from all other agencies and ground sources and synching them into an integrated whole, planning and implementation will be more systematic. This will be the start of data driven food management.
Recently, the Supreme Court approved the “Rules on Electronic Notarization, Advancing Digital Innovation and Access to Justice”. Using technology E-Notarization will make notarial services more accessible and efficient. By going digital, the SC has made the use of fake public documents more difficult as one could conceivably now verify documents under certain circumstances more easily.
Several agencies are now implementing data driven, information technology, and even artificial intelligence (AI) projects to make planning and service more efficient. As mentioned in my article last week, these initiatives would also be a potent tool in the fight against corruption as we take away human intervention and discretion in governance.
Perhaps, the new proposed measures in implementing data driven systems and AI in the revenue collection protocols of the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal revenue can greatly limit under declarations or non-declarations. By removing discretion and elbow rooms, a no-nonsense tax and duties collection system can finally be implemented.
Budget allocations when data driven and AI monitored can ensure efficient allocation of resources. Although it may cost jobs in the public sector, we may have no choice but to remove the human factor in governance. For me, visions of AI controlled robots manning the streets, enforcing traffic rules without exception and arresting violators without mercy fills me with hope and happiness.
