DOST vows 'leaner, meaner' ICT office

Placing the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will result in a “leaner, meaner and more proactive office". This is according to DOST secretary Mario Montejo who issued a statement for the first since the release of Executive Order No. 47 on June 30 which downgraded the CICT from a commission to an attached agency DOST. “The decision affirms the President’s commitment to align the government’s ICT infrastructure, program and plans with the strategy for inclusive economic growth and efficient governance by integrating ICT policies, programs, and resources with research and continuing innovation led by the DOST," said Montejo. “Executive Order 47 will result in a leaner, meaner and more proactive office that will ensure that our ICT industry will remain competitive in the global market, and Filipinos would experience the benefits of ICT through a more efficient and transparent e-government," he said. The DOST, through Undersecretary Fortunato dela Pena, surprised many observers in late June when it stated that it is opposed to the creation of the DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) in a Senate hearing. Montejo, a brother-in-law of Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo" Ochoa, said EO 47 “signifies a shift to more strategic ICT policies and the immediate implementation of urgent steps needed in ICT development by tapping into DOST’s direct links with the academe and industry." Montejo said the former CICT, which will be renamed as the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), “will continue to put a high priority on e-Governance and the highflying business process outsourcing industry." The ICTO, he said, “will accelerate the development of a connected government and integrate IT government systems under a unified platform. Consolidating all government ICT programs will likewise put an end to inefficient ICT projects that are disjointed or duplication of each other." Montejo also vowed that the ICTO will ensure the long-term sustainability of the IT-BPO sector. “The ICTO will concentrate on the areas of human resource development through education in order to produce globally competitive ICT manpower and promoting a climate conducive for further growth," he said. “It will also streamline research and innovation in ICT to address issues such as cyber hacking, disaster risk management, and environment protection," he added. Montejo said the DOST will prepare a rationalization plan as contained in EO 47 and will submit this to the Office of the President within three months. — Newsbytes.ph