BPO group pushes creation of ICT dep't

MANILA, Philippines - The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is pushing for the approval of a bill that would create an agency for information and communication technology (ICT), citing it would help attract more investors and create more jobs in the ICT sector, an official of the group said. 

Martin Crisostomo, executive director for external affairs of the BPAP, said in an interview yesterday that they are seeking the approval of the bill into law since it would help attract more investors to the country.

“The DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) bill with its progress both at the Senate and House of Representatives is very good for existing investors and those that are planning to come in the country. It shows how serious the government is in handling ICT,” he said.

Senate Bill 50, which calls for the reorganization of communications-related agencies currently under the Department of Transportation and Communications into a separate agency, was approved on second reading on Wednesday.

The House of Representatives approved the counterpart bill on third and final reading last year.

Crisostomo said a body created to focus on the development of the ICT would enable the government to computerize its processes and provide ease in doing business and other transactions, which is favorable to existing investors.

Improved business processes as a result of a greater push for ICT sector development and use in governance, he said, could also lead to attracting new investors to the country.

He said the BPO sector also stands to benefit in the creation of a department for ICT, since it would be given more support.

He said more jobs will be available if an agency for ICT is created.

“If the government has a department focused on ICT, in terms of budget and monitoring, it will be beneficial for BPOs and other ICT businesses since there would be more focus on developing the sector, which would mean more jobs,” he said further.