Microsoft Philippines hopes to gain the support of Cebuanos as it rolls out an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) manifesto that contains policy recommendations to facilitate progress and boost competitiveness in the country’s ICT sector.
The tech giant collaborated with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the Asian Institute of Management and other private stakeholders in coming up with a policy paper that highlights recommendations on how the Philippines can take the next step in its ICT development agenda powered by the right technology.
This manifesto was launched in November last year. Microsoft Philippines is conducting rounds in various cities of the country to raise awareness on this advocacy and at the same time earn support and compel action from both private and public sectors.
Technology-dependent
The ICT manifesto has recommended five key pillars that will help the country ultimately leapfrog technological development. These are preparing for the 21st century education; connectivity for all; mobile first, cloud first world; moving towards a 21st century government; and a safe and secure online environment.
According to Karrie Ilagan, managing director of Microsoft Philippines, addressing these key pillars would push progress on the country’s economic growth drivers—the $20-billion business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the one-million online Filipino workers or freelancers, and the growing small and medium enterprises—which are heavily dependent on technology.
“This manifesto is aimed at framing and advancing the discussions around the national ICT agenda, and we are keen on forming strong partnership with city society and industry stakeholders,” said Ilagan.
Fast-tracking
The creation of the Department of ICT is one of strong recommendations highlighted in the manifesto. The bill is awaiting the signature of President Benigno Aquino III for it to become a law. DICT supporters hope the bill will be signed before President Aquino’s term ends.
For Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Malacañang should expedite the signing the recently approved bill to firewall the country from possible cyber attacks.
“Countries we are not so friendly with may target us and criminals will always want to hack their way to our financial system,” Recto said in a statement Friday.
Recto stressed the need to put up counter-measures against cyber-criminals the soonest time possible, following the “hack-attack” on Bangladesh banks.
The senator was referring to reports that hackers stole $80 million from the Bank of Bangladesh, using stolen credentials to make online transfers.
Reports said the hackers allegedly requested the Federal Reserve Bank in New York to transfer the money to organizations in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Provisions
Recto said the proposed DICT would be a “powerful main server,” which would spur information and communications (ICT) development, institutional e-government, and manage the country’s ICT environment.
He said the DICT would be created by merging existing ICT-related agencies under the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Transportation and Communications.
Under the bill, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center will be attached to the department.
“The DICT will formulate the National Cybersecurity Plan and form National Computer Emergency Response Team, our IT Special Action Forces,” he added.
The Senate and the House of Representatives passed the DICT bill last year, with minor difference. To avoid convening bicameral conference committee, the Senate adopted the House version.
Recto said broadband has become the “third utility,” after power and water, and thus needs to create an agency that will address ICT infrastructure, ICT affordability, and ICT usage from which the country scores low.
“We are now living in the electronic republic, where views of the sovereign are advocated online, and services must be rendered to them on the same platform. Permits, licenses, land titles should now be electronically-applied for, processes, and issued,” he said.
The DICT, Recto said, is also mandated to beef up consumer protection policies to protect consumers against lousy service, and at the same time, ensure business users’ right to privacy.
Strengthening the academe
He added that it would also be tasked to encourage the growth of the ICT industry by promoting investment opportunities for ICT firms, as well as by creating local and international partnerships to speed up industry growth and competitiveness.
Microsoft wants to leverage on education as one of the many ways to push the manifesto goals in Cebu. Ilagan described Cebu as one of the province’s with strong academic foundation especially when it comes to technology adoption.
She reported that company has already produced 15 active teachers-ambassadors in Cebu trained to teach technology in both public and private schools under its education program.
Just recently, the Cebu City Development Council has endorsed P8.9 billion worth of programs and projects proposed for the city to the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas with over P1.2 billion being allotted for the Department of Education-Cebu City Division.
Ilagan said they will also reach out to business chambers and local government units for the initiative to gain awareness and earn support in terms of local policies. The ICT Manifesto was also presented to political leaders running for various positions.
“This manifesto is really a call to action for various industries and government entities who can help mobilize it and turn it into reality,” said Ilagan.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Katlene O. Cacho
Quelle/Source: Sun.Star, 11.03.2016
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