DOST chief assures ICT of backing, adopts Digital Strategy

Science Secretary Mario Montejo has adopted the Philippine Digital Strategy which the recently-abolished Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) crafted. “We adopt this strategy and we look forward to the strong collaboration with its many stakeholders," Montejo said. The DOST assured the ICT community of his agency’s backing of the master plan for a “Digitally Empowered Nation" after the main chunk of the defunct CICT was transformed into a mere Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO). “It is an impressive body of work and we support the many who were involved in its creation," Montejo said. DOST officials said the PDS took more than nine months to formulate and drew on expertise and insight from stakeholders in government, the private sector and civil society. “We want to capitalize on their important contributions and knowledge," Montejo also said. The PDS has four strategic thrusts – E-Government, Internet access for all, digital literacy and ICT sector development. — TJD, GMA News