We live in a time when everything we need is within reach. We can order food, book a ride, pay bills, and even attend classes or meetings online. And yet, when it comes to government services, Filipinos still have to wake up at dawn just to stand in line for hours—all for a single document. One document.
This is what we call a digital dilemma—the widening gap between the potential of technology and what our government has done with it.
Penned by Reynor Villasenor, The Digital Dilemma: Why Government Services Must Evolve examines the outdated systems we continue to rely on in a modern world. Villasenor lays out how these systems have failed us and offers actionable, accessible steps toward improvement. More than a wake-up call, this book is a reminder that with today’s technology, efficiency is not just possible—it should be the norm.
But what exactly is the Digital Dilemma?
At its core, it is the tug-of-war between what can be done and what is actually being done. We live in an era where, with just a single tap on our phones, nearly anything is possible. And yet, the most frustrating part is that no matter how advanced our tools are, they’re not being used where they matter most. This isn’t just about poor service or a minor inconvenience to shrug off—it’s about a system that continues to devolve instead of evolve.
So, why does this book matter?
The Digital Dilemma identifies the true problems: lack of infrastructure, outdated systems, and limited staff training. At its root, though, lies a deeper issue—fear of change. Too often, we cling to what is familiar, even if it holds us back, and reject the very innovations that could move us forward.
But comfort should never come at the cost of real progress.
This book reminds us that if we want better lives, we must be willing to embrace change. We cannot keep settling for less than what is promised—less than what we, the people, deserve. Transformation is always within reach. And at the end of the day, government exists to serve the people. In this age of rapid technological advancement, true service means building an inclusive, future-ready system.
To overcome this dilemma, we don’t simply ask for change. We demand it.
Because Filipinos deserve better.
By Beatrix Lorella Sarah A. Serrano