To enhance the global competitiveness of Filipinos in information and technology management
ANGARA URGES FOR THE CREATION OF A DEPARTMENT OF ICT

As the world gears towards advancing information technology, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pushes for an institution that would ensure strategic, reliable, cost-efficient and citizen-centric information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and system to boost competitiveness of Filipinos in the global market.

According to reports, there is currently a big demand for IT courses among students because of an equivalent huge demand for their technical and computer skills in local and international companies.

"Advanced information technology and technical and business application courses should continuously be advanced to promote and enhance the global competitiveness of our workforce in areas of information and technology management. ICT plays a very important role in nation-building as well as in encouraging ICT-related business opportunities and investments in the country," said Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

He added, "In this respect, we should push for the creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that will be responsible in handling all ICT-related plans and initiatives of the government for a consistent and coordinated function. It will also ensure the establishment and development of an integrated government framework that will optimize all resources and development programs for ICT-enabled services sectors."

SB 2546 which seeks to establish a DICT shall coordinate with various public and private agencies to facilitate different government initiatives such as e-government objectives and national objectives. In the bill, it will also create an E-Government Fund that will serve as a special fund for cross-agency and government-initiated ICT projects. Also, it will be used to support and co-finance projects to enable the government to expand its ability to conduct activities electronically and provide frontline services through the development and implementation of innovative uses of the Internet or other emerging technologies.

"ICT is a factor for national development. As the world mechanizes its resources into improving and advancing its technology to boost not only economies but human resources, the Philippines should not let itself be left. We should push and equip our people with competent information and communications technology that will serve as an investment of the country in this current fast-evolving ICT environment," informed Angara.