Originally posted on NEWSBYTES.PH
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has formally launched its three flagship projects in a ceremony held on Friday, June 23, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
The big three are the National Government Portal (NGP), the National Broadband Plan (NBP), and Pipol Konek or the Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places (FWPP).
Interestingly, all three major ICT initiatives were conceptualized or started during the previous administrations of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.
The launch coincided with the DICT’s observance of its first founding anniversary and the celebration of June 2017 as the National ICT Month.
“Launching the said projects will facilitate the development of an ICT-enabled nation geared toward sustainable socio-economic growth,” the DICT stated.
DICT secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima led the launch of the three initiatives, which are being conducted appropriately under the “One Connection, One Nation” theme.
In an interview with journalists, Salalima assured the DICT’s transparency with the projects, particularly the national broadband project, which was embroiled in a major scandal during the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.
“First of all, we are really transparent In fact, from the very time, or simultaneously with the approval of the President (Rodrigo Duterte) of the blueprint of our broadband, we instructed our information division to publish online the blueprint so netizens will be able to see what really is the broadband plan. We are not hiding anything,” Salalima said.
Through the NGP, the department seeks to create a one-stop shop of services through “a single website” that will “effectively reduce the cost of maintaining multiple systems for government agencies.”
On the other hand, the NBP will serve as the main infrastructure that will enable online access to those who have no access at all (unserved) as well as those who have not enough access (underserved) in the countryside.
“Lastly,” the DICT said, “through Pipol Konek, the DICT aims to bring within arms-reach digital opportunities to every Filipino by providing Internet access — ultimately connecting the people to their government and to their fellow countrymen.”
Formerly named Juan Konek, the Pipol Konek wireless access initiative targets 13,024 places in 1,489 municipalities and 145 cities across the country.
As part of the festivities, the DICT also showcased its individual services and programs, among them eInnovation, Integrated Philippines (iGovPhil), and the National ICT Competency Management (NCM).
