Phl, Spain partner for ICT development

MANILA, Philippines --  The Philippines and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation for the development of Information and communications technology (ICT).

Both countries agreed to cooperate on ICT areas such as spectrum management, cybersecurity, capacity building, disaster risk reduction and bridging the digital divide.

The action will involve the exchange of IT experts and consultants as well as exchange of best practices and experiences in ICT policy aimed to promote economic and social development.

“This MOU signing between Spain and the Philippines for improved cooperation in Information and Communications Technology is indeed a...landmark in the relationship of our two countries,” said Louis Casambre, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) ICT office.

The other areas of the MOU also include e-health and e-education, technical standards, and certifications, e-government, green ICT and Government, and private sector collaboration.

Casambre served as the Philippine representative, while the Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Domeq, represented the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and the Information Society of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain.

Domeq said other than providing humanitarian relief in time of natural disasters, Spain is also keen in providing assistance in disaster prevention utilizing ICT. 

“We have been working with the Philippines and local government units in times of natural disasters, which is good, but we would also like to use our resources to help in minimizing the harmful effects natural disasters and mitigate the effects of climate change,” Domeq said.