DOTC eyes agency interconnection

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is planning to embark on a program that will interconnect key government agencies to improve their services.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez said yesterday the transfer of information between agencies must be improved to speed up the processing of documents. "The goal is to find ways for government to maximize the flow of information and communications within the bureaucracy and outside of it," he noted.

Before this can be achieved, however, the DOTC is planning to make an evaluation of the existing communication infrastructure in key government agencies.

The evaluation will be done through the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Integrated Telecommunications Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ITESA) and the Telecommunications Operators Association of the Philippines (TOAP).

Alvarez added that an improved interconnection between agencies would also ensure coordination of programs and functions in government offices.

"A free-flowing communication setup would minimize duplication of programs that are the bane of our present government setup. Having accurate government information is important," he said.

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Edgardo Manda dispelled reports that he was interested in replacing Alvarez and expressed confidence the DOTC chief’s appointment would eventually be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

Manda, in a statement, said he prefers to focus on the speedy development of the MIAA as he foresees problems and challenges with the looming opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Manda said he has been concentrating on helping clear the controversies related to Philippine International Air Terminal Corp. (PIATCO), the contractor of NAIA Terminal 3.

"My current focus is the day-to-day service delivery, improvement and infrastructure development of the NAIA," he said.