DICT be run by experts instead of political execs

CEBU, Philippines - While Cebu business stakeholders welcome the creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), business leaders are hoping that the government will appoint experts instead of mere "political appointees."

Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan "Dondi" Joseph said it is important that DITC will be manned by competent practitioners in the industry rather executives associated with political colors.

"Given the importance of the IT industry in the Philippines this bill had long been overdue," Joseph said adding that what is not good about political appointees are their sustainability in leading the department, as their terms depend on the Presidents.

On the other hand, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Melanie C. Ng said that the creation of the DICT will have an enormous impact in the country, particularly Cebu.

"It cannot be denied that ICT plays a big role in the transformation of businesses to meet the growing demands of all industries in terms of efficiency and competitiveness. The DICT will be able to monitor the policies governing the implementation of various ICT initiatives and projects. It will ensure that enhancements and improvement in our ICT Infrastructure will be present to aid our economic growth," said Ng.

Last week, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Republic Act (RA) 10844 creating a new department called DICT.

The signing of the new law renames the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to Department of Transportation as all communications-focused operating units of the agency —the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), National Computer Center (NCC), National Computer Institute (NCI), Telecommunications Office (TELOF), National Telecommunications Training Institute (NTTI), have been abolished and will be transferred to the DICT.

The DICT is envisioned to support the development of the ICT systems of the country.

It hopes to address issues on internet connectivity and ensure stable communications services, aside from designing, implementing and ensuring the protection of an integrated government information and communications infrastructure system.

It will take the lead on cybersecurity and formulating a strong protection and enforcement framework against cybercrime. It likewise, mandates that the newly-formed agency will have a secretary, three undersecretaries, and four assistant secretaries.  (FREEMAN)