Initial submission: 13 August 2025 First decision: 15 August 2025 Revision received: 14 January 2026 Accepted for publication: 28 January 2026 Online release: 06 February 2026
The rapid evolution of digital technologies has reshaped public service delivery worldwide, with government
agencies adopting digital platforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. In the Philippines, the
Social Security System (SSS) has embraced digital transformation in response to legislative mandates such as
the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032) and rising public expectations. This study focuses on the SSS Diliman
Branch, examining how its digital initiatives, including the My.SSS portal, mobile application, and E-Center
facilities, affect service quality and customer satisfaction. A quantitative research design was employed,
combining descriptive-evaluative and causal approaches. Data were collected through a structured survey
administered to 385 randomly selected members transacting at the Diliman E-Center in January 2025. The
instrument measured service quality using the SERVQUAL framework (tangibility, reliability, assurance,
empathy, responsiveness) and assessed digitalization and satisfaction on a five-point Likert scale. Partial Least
Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test direct and indirect relationships among
service quality, digitalization, and customer satisfaction. Findings revealed consistently high ratings across all
SERVQUAL dimensions, with assurance (M = 4.64) as the highest-rated factor, underscoring confidence in staff
competence and system security. Digitalization assessment yielded strong satisfaction (overall M = 4.54), with
ease of use (M = 4.56) and clarity of instructions (M = 4.58) as key strengths, though convenience (M = 4.51)
showed minor access issues. Customer satisfaction was very high (overall M = 4.65), with respondents strongly
agreeing that digital services improved their overall experience (M = 4.69) and expressing loyalty through
recommendations (M = 4.67). Structural model testing confirmed that service quality significantly influenced
both digitalization (β = 0.784, p = 0.000) and customer satisfaction (β = 0.844, p = 0.000). However, digitalization
alone did not have a significant direct effect on satisfaction (β = 0.018, p = 0.784). The study demonstrates that
while digitalization enhances accessibility, efficiency, and trust, customer satisfaction is primarily driven by
service quality dimensions rather than digital tools alone. This suggests that technology must be complemented
by reliable, empathetic, and competent service delivery to achieve meaningful improvements. The findings
provide practical insights for SSS management in refining digital strategies and highlight the broader
implications of digital governance reforms in the Philippine public sector.
Keywords: digital transformation, public service delivery, client satisfaction, service quality, ease of doing
business
1. Journal Description 2. Select Journal a. Declaration of Originality b. Select the Journal c. Paper Formatting d. Initial Manuscript Submission e. Peer Review Process f. Manuscript Revision g. Editing Services h. Final Manuscript Submission i. Acknowledgement to Publish j. Copyright Matters k. Inhouse Publication