PHL joins world summit on communications technology

The Philippines was represented at the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2011 in Geneva from May 16 to 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a news release posted on its website, the DFA said Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Chairman Ivan John Uy led the Philippine delegation in the forum which was hosted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The WSIS Forum is the largest annual gathering of the world's ICT community, including UN agencies, governments, civil society, and ICT industry representatives. Uy told the international community about the Philippine government's efforts to use information and communications technology (ICT) to deliver services to the people. Uy stressed that the Philippines is committed to ensuring universal ICT access and to promoting ICT growth. "In his statements at the Summit, (Uy) highlighted the initiatives of the Philippines relating to the implementation of the WSIS Agenda for 2015, including the more efficient delivery of services through e-Government service portals," the DFA said. Powerful tool Uy said ICT is a powerful tool for shaping the national and global political economy, and a potential resource through which government may provide basic services and information to its citizens. To improve access to information technology and to bridge the digital gap, Uy said the Philippines is implementing a Philippine digital strategy. The current programs include the creation of community e-centers in rural areas, the establishment of computer laboratories in various educational institutions and digital opportunity centers for the marginalized sector, such as persons with disability and out-of-school youth. - VVP, GMA News