Abstract
The digital transformation of public services, particularly in business registration, is a cornerstone of modern e-governance aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) online digital platforms in streamlining registration processes for users in the Bondoc Peninsula, Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive-quantitative research design, data were gathered from 75 respondents, comprising business owners and SEC personnel, to assess user demographics, platform effectiveness across key dimensions, and the challenges encountered. Findings indicate that the SEC's online platforms are generally perceived as effective, offering significant advantages over traditional methods, including time savings, reduced costs, and greater user convenience and empowerment. However, the study also identifies critical barriers to optimal performance, including frequent technical issues (system downtime, interface usability), limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy among some users, and inconsistencies between online and offline support systems. Furthermore, user satisfaction was found to be significantly correlated with age, educational attainment, frequency of platform use, and level of digital literacy. The study concludes that while the SEC's digital initiative marks a positive step toward streamlined governance, its full potential remains unrealized in underserved regions such as the Bondoc Peninsula due to infrastructure and human-centric challenges. It is recommended that the SEC and policymakers focus on enhancing system reliability, launching targeted digital literacy programs, improving user support services, and ensuring better synchronization between digital and traditional operations to foster a more inclusive and efficient business registration ecosystem.
