POLITICIANS noted the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) as President Aquino entered his last months in office.
Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino said during ceremonies for government celebration of ICT month that Filipinos must use technology for “more relevant and substantial purposes.”
“ICT usage in the Philippines is not just using it for ‘Clash of Clans,’ viewing the latest uploads on YouTube, seeing the latest status of Facebook and the latest postings on Instagram,” Angara said.
“We must go beyond our so-called unenviable status as the 19th largest country in the world in downloading pornographic materials,” he added.
Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino of Liberal Party, for his part, noted the country needs to put a sound ICT road map in its national planning to be relevant in the digital age. He added that the Philippines will benefit a lot if it has a comprehensive and relevant ICT road map.
“They say ICT is the great equalizer. However, we are facing lack of good quality Internet infrastructure. It has been said that e-commerce is a great enabler small medium enterprises (SME) but they are still searching for cheap capital,” Aquino said.
Angara said one structure is a law establishing a Department of ICT.
The Senate recently passed on second reading Senate Bill 2686, or the Department of ICT Act of 2015. One of the features of the bill is to offer a free Internet service in public places and schools. Sen. Ralph G. Recto, sponsor of the bill, said the passage of the law would place a Cabinet-level ICT body in the State structure. The Senate President Pro-Tempore added that the government can now harness its resources in promoting digital literacy, ICT expertise and knowledge-building.
Angara said sans citing details that “the Senate is cautiously optimistic on the bill.”