Day: November 25, 2021

Written by: Maine Dela Cruz

In the wake of COVID-19, people around the globe, including Filipinos, have shifted to digital alternatives. This is to carry out their day-to-day endeavors, as usual, be it at home, school, work, and play. The country is also one of the world’s most connected populations. Additionally, it has emerged as a major player in the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industries.

As the country’s IT-BPO industry grows so valuable, especially with the fast-growing fiber internet and internet provider Philippines’ coverage, it is expected to soon eclipse OFW remittances as the country’s primary source of revenue.

While the majority of the credit for this economic development should be given to the adaptable and English-proficient Filipino workforce, some must also be given to the agencies and organizations that assisted in laying the groundwork for local industry. Certainly, one of them is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

What is the DICT?

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is an agency in the executive branch of the Philippine government. Indeed, it is responsible for the planning, development, and promotion of the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) agenda in support of national development.

History of DICT

Before, several agencies functioned as the primary agency responsible for providing ICT services to Filipino citizens. Let’s explore how DICT came to be starting with its predecessors.

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology, a preceding agency, was established on January 12, 2004, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Executive Order No. 269 as a transitory measure until the establishment of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Agencies Under DICT

The CICT was comprised of agencies tasked with computer technology management as well as those whose primary mission is to deal with communication issues, namely the National Computer Center (NCC), the Telecommunications Office (TELOF), and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)’ communications branch.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) were also participating in the CICT to assist with policy coordination. The CICT would undergo several reorganizations and restructurings before becoming legally formed and recognized as the DICT.

Formation of an Executive Department

Numerous legislations have been introduced in the Philippine Congress to establish an Agency of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), transforming the CICT into an executive branch. On August 5, 2008, the House of Representatives adopted a consolidated bill, House Bill No. 4300, on third and final reading, and forwarded it to the Senate on August 11, 2008.

In the Senate, a consolidated bill, Senate Bill No. 2546, was approved by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology on August 19, 2008, but did not get beyond the second reading by the time Congress ended on February 5, 2010, thereby killing the bill. It will have to be reintroduced in the next Congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Due to Congress’ inability to adopt the DICT Bill, the CICT’s legal foundation remains an executive order, which implies that the future President can remove it.

President Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 47 on June 23, 2011. “Reorganizing, renaming, and transferring the Commission on Information and Communications Technology and its connected agencies to the Department of Science and Technology, supervising their implementation, and for other objectives,” the directive adds. Additionally, “the Chairman and Commissioner seats of the CICT are therefore disbanded.” The BPO stakeholders were taken aback by the order and disappointed by the move.

Official Establishment

The agency began after then President Benigno Aquino III signed the Republic Act No. 10844 or “An Act Creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology” on May 20, 2016.

Numerous agencies within other executive departments, most notably the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), that deal with communications activities and responsibilities were eliminated or moved to the newly formed department. Following that, the DOTC became the “Department of Transportation (DOTr).” The law establishes a six-month transition time “to ensure the complete transfer of duties, assets, and employees.” The bill became effective on June 9, 2016, establishing the DICT.

Who runs DICT?

As of this writing, Jose Arturo de Castro, DICT undersecretary for legal affairs, policy, planning, and finance, sat as acting DICT chief.

De Castro serves in an acting capacity while waiting for Malacañang to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, who is seeking a comeback in the Senate in next year’s elections.

What is the National ICT Development Agenda about?

The DICT will prioritize the following in accordance with the current administration’s ICT agenda the establishment of a National Broadband Plan with the objective of accelerating the construction of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies in order to increase internet speed. Also part of its mandate is to establish complimentary Wi-Fi in a limited number of public locations, including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, railway stations, airports, and seaports. Lastly, it is responsible for the establishment of a national information and communication technology portal.

The National ICT Ecosystem Framework

In February 2019, the DICT partnered with a global non-profit organization to develop a central consolidating framework for the process of ICT policy formulation and governance.

The framework, termed NICTEF or the National ICT Ecosystem Framework, is described as the government’s answer to the rising demand for an authoritative reference covering the whole ICT agenda. It is a comprehensive framework for harmonizing the country’s information technology data. As a result, it enables the Department to turn raw data into useful information. Additionally, it intends to act as a lens and a strategic compass for responding to ICT concerns.

The framework’s purpose is to organize ICT data and possible applications in a way that is responsive to a society’s dynamic character. It is necessary for the creation of a knowledge society that maximizes the benefits of open government, amplifies the benefits of industrial applications, and multiplies chances for skill development.

What are the functions of DICT Philippines?

The DICT aims to provide every Filipino access to vital ICT infostructure and services. To achieve this goal and other department objectives, the DICT shall strengthen its efforts on the following focus areas:

1. Policy and Planning

Under policy and planning, the DICT is responsible for formulating, recommending, and implementing national policies, plans, programs, and guidelines that will promote the development and use of ICT with due consideration to the advantages of convergence and emerging technologies.

DICT is also mandated to formulate policies and initiatives, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepED), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to develop and promote ICT in education consistent with the national goals and objectives, and responsive to the human resource needs of the ICT and ICT-enabled services (ICT-ES) sectors.

It is also responsible for providing an integrated framework in order to optimize all ICT resources and networks for the identification and prioritization of all E-Government systems and applications as provided for the E-Government Masterplan and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

2. Improved Public Access

To improve public access, the DICT is responsible for prescribing rules and regulations for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of ICT infrastructures in unserved and underserved areas, in consultation with the local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector, and the academe.

It shall also establish a free internet service that can be accessed in offices and public areas using the most cost-effective telecommunications technology, through partnerships with private service providers.

3. Resource-sharing and Capacity Building

In line with the E-Government goals and national objectives, the DICT shall synchronize and coordinate all national ICT strategies and efforts. It is also responsible for establishing a comprehensive inventory of current people, plans, programs, software, hardware, and established systems.

The department shall also assist agencies in developing guidelines for enforcing and administering ICT laws, standards, rules, and regulations. It will also examine, review, and assist government ICT research and development projects in collaboration with DOST and other organizations. DICT shall aid in the distribution of critical information to reduce disaster risk.

Also, to effectively create and operate government ICT infrastructures and systems, DICT should establish staff qualifications and establish initiatives to help ICT personnel progress in government.

In conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other organizations, DICT should represent and negotiate on behalf of the Philippines in international organizations.

4. Consumer Protection and Industry Development

In conjunction with relevant agencies, the private sector, and international entities, the DICT must guarantee and preserve consumers’ and businesses’ rights to privacy, security, and confidentiality in ICT concerns.

It shall also work with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other government agencies, as well as the business sector, to promote trade and investment possibilities in ICT and ICT-ES.

The DICT must also develop rules for public-private partnerships in ICT projects for government agencies.

It is also responsible for improving the competitiveness of Philippine employees, businesses, SME’s and workers in the worldwide markets for ICT and ICT-ES would be a key component of the plan.

5. Cybersecurity Policy and Program Coordination

The DICT also has the mandate to develop a national cybersecurity strategy that minimizes national security concerns while promoting a peaceful, secure, open, and cooperative ICT environment.

It shall also provide prompt help to a computer emergency response team (CERT) in the suppression of real-time cybercrime and cyberattacks against important infrastructures and/or national security, offer proactive government countermeasures to all local and international cyberspace crises and threats; and affirm the public-private collaboration in the field of information sharing on cyber-attacks and threats, and coordinating actions to prevent and combat cybercrime, as stipulated in R.A. No. 10175.

The DICT is also responsible for monitoring cybercrime cases handled by cooperating law enforcement agencies and enabling international collaboration on cybercrime investigation, intelligence, training, and capacity building. And performing all other responsibilities relating to cybercrime prevention and suppression, including capacity building, and such other responsibilities and functions as may be necessary for the appropriate execution of R.A. No. 10175.

6. Countryside Development

The DICT is also focused on developing and supporting ICT-based industries in the many rural regions of the country, working with LGUs and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of ICT infrastructure in these areas. In fact, such an effort would make these underdeveloped areas a preferred location for BPO centers and other ICT industries.

For more comprehensive information about the DICT, visit its official website.

Importance of Accessibility in Communications Technology

The DICT ensures that all government websites adopt the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with the goal of providing a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.

Accessibility Statement

The DICT ensures that the National Government Portal officially adopts the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) as the accessibility standard for all its related web development and services. WCAG 2.0 is also an international standard, ISO 40500. This certifies it as a stable and referenceable technical standard.

WCAG 2.0 contains 12 guidelines organized under 4 principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR for short). These are testable success criteria for each guideline. The measurement of compliance with these criteria is through three levels: A, AA, or AAA.

All National Government Portal servers and content are currently moving towards WCAG Level A compliance. Work is being done to make the system fully compliant with this level.

Shortcut Keys Combination

Shortcut keys are vital for ease of access. Here are the activation combination keys for each browser:

1. Accessibility statement (Combination + 0)

This is a statement page that will show the available accessibility keys.

2. Home Page (Combination + H)

This accessibility key redirects to the homepage.

3. Main Content (Combination + R)

This is the shortcut for viewing the content section of the current page.

4. FAQ (Combination + Q)

This combination is the shortcut for the FAQ page.

5. Contact (Combination + C)

It is the shortcut for contact page or form inquiries.

6. Feedback (Combination + K)

This combination activates the shortcut for the feedback page.

7. Site Map (Combination + M)

This is the shortcut for the site map (footer agency) section of the page.

8. Search (Combination + S)

This combination activates the shortcut for the search page.

9. Chrome for Linux

For Chrome for Linux, press (Alt + Shift + shortcut_key).

10. Chrome for Windows

For Chrome for Windows, press (Alt + shortcut_key).

11. For Firefox

For Firefox, press (Alt + Shift + shortcut_key).

12. For Internet Explorer

For Internet Explorer, press (Alt + Shift + shortcut_key) then press (enter).

13. On Mac OS

For Mac OS, press (Ctrl + Opt + shortcut_key).

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Written by: Aiya Rodjel

Have you noticed that internet providers in the Philippines have been aggressive in their expansion efforts lately? In recent years, different government agencies and private companies have been working hard in order for the country to measure up to the international community. However, efforts made are not only for the improvement of internet speed in the country.

There are also improvements in terms of cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll discuss the Philippine National Cybersecurity Plan 2022. We’ll talk about the role of the government in this plan as well as the progress made so far. This will give people a better understanding of communications technology.

The role of DICT in the ICT sector

The establishment of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was in 2016. Upon its creation, its mandate is to become the primary policy planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the government in terms of the national ICT development agenda.

In terms of policy planning, the the task of the DICT was to ensure that the country maximize ICT initiatives to advance the education standards within the nation. Addedly, it identifies and prioritizes all E-Government systems.

Not only is the DICT in charge of the continuous operation of internet speed improvement in the country, but it is also has the task to foster competition within the telecommunication industry. Additionally, it ensures that these businesses are in compliance with all the government standards.

Communications technology may have paved the way for a lot of advantages but it also brought upon the dangers of cyber threats. To ensure consumer protection, the DICT is in charge of safeguarding the data privacy of people.

In addition to setting cyber resiliency measures, the DICT also exerts several efforts for the Philippines to be a cybersecurity-educated society. This is to protect people from cyber-enabled crimes and understand the seriousness of cyber risks.

Lastly, the DICT also has the mandate to ensure critical ICT infrastructures were in place. This is so the entire country will be equipped with the information assets it needs to be globally competitive. To make sure the DICT upholds its mandates and advances the nation into the future, the plan was born.

How did the National Cybersecurity plan 2022 begin?

In order for the DICT to perform its mandates, there’s the establishment of the National Cybersecurity plan 2022 in 2017. This is to ensure the security of the country’s constantly evolving ICT environment. With the development of the ICT sector comes threats to people’s personal information.

The plan has four primary goals. One goal is to assure the continued operation of our nation’s critical infostructures, public and military networks. The second goal is to implement cyber resiliency measures to enhance our ability to respond to threats before, during, and after attacks. Its third goal is effective coordination with law enforcement agencies, while its last goal is for the Philippines to be a cybersecurity-educated society.

The National Cybersecurity Plan was for the DICT to achieve its primary goals while actively addressing cyber threats with the help of cybersecurity experts. The plan served as a blueprint for information security governance. It helped the law enforcement agencies involved in the ICT development of the country work together systematically as well.

Not only did the plan provide oversight for the country’s ICT development, but it also paved the way for effective coordination between different players in the Philippines. It serves as the roadmap for ICT key stakeholders to take part in policing and safeguarding cyberspace against cyber threats.

You can also check out these related articles:

• What is data security?
• Know the Advantages of Cybersecurity in Today’s Digital Age
• What is the Open Access in Data Transmission Act of the Philippines?

The ICT proliferation of government agencies

Before the announcement of the National Cybersecurity Plan, not all government agencies had their own web address and corresponding sites. While some agencies were more advanced than others, the imbalance caused some offices to be at a disadvantage. In turn, it affected a lot of people.

Limited presence on the internet made it difficult for government offices to address important concerns. This challenge made it hard for people to obtain the information or the crucial documents they need for various purposes. At the same time, it also makes challenging for a business to set up and coordinate with the government.

The National Cybersecurity Plan gave government agencies across the Philippines the resources to update their ICT assets. This is so the government can make its services more accessible to the public. It also served to protect Filipino citizens from any false information on the internet.

The plan also paved the way for inter-government networks development. This critical information infrastructure was developed for faster coordination with all agencies governing their areas. The government networks also made sharing of important information so much faster.

This upgrade in technology assets helps in the security of important data. It also made compliance with government protocols so much easier. Thus, the ICT proliferation of government agencies across the nation helps protect its citizens.

The role of the National Cybersecurity Plan on cyber threats

While the age of artificial intelligence and sophisticated connectivity initiatives comes an advanced persistent threat to businesses, military networks, and people. Data privacy is of critical importance. If malicious parties obtain your personal information, compromise could be on so many different levels.

The plan makes sure the government is active in implementing cyber resiliency measures for the protection of the nation. It laid the groundwork for more players in the country to know how to address cybersecurity threats. At the same time, it also made the nation be more resilient against possible threats.

Technology has made it possible for even small business owners to market their services and products. On the other hand, this growth also spurred the rise of possible threats. The involvement of the government ensures businesses across the Philippines are in compliance with all cyber-security-related matters.

Protecting the nation requires all business players in the nation to have an understanding of cybersecurity. In order to secure businesses and their customers, the plan pooled resources for them to be informed of the safety guidelines in place.

The National Cybersecurity Plan also paved the way for a coordination center for the protection of personal information. Anyone who has access to the internet can fall victim to scams and malicious activities. The plan ensures the protection of the Philippines’ citizens by coming up with a quick response to possible scams.

Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity

Data privacy is of crucial importance on so many levels. Not only does the plan ensure all stakeholders are in compliance with the law, but it makes sure there is accountability involved. This means that companies that fall victim to hacking are made accountable. This also ensures that people are assured that they will be better protected moving forward.

Threats to cybersecurity are not limited to hacking and the spread of personal information to malicious parties. It can also involve a disruption in the supply chain and the like. This affects not only business operations but the quality of their products or services as well.

This is why the government needs to be actively involved in cybersecurity issues. There is a need for some accountability. The plan makes sure that there are actions when the data of people get compromised. This gives citizens more reassurance that their personal data is a priority of the government.

While the security measures in place serve as guidelines for all players involved to respect people’s privacy, the law still remains. In turn, the National Cybersecurity Plan makes the coordination between law enforcement agencies faster.

Forming a cybersecurity-educated society

Education is crucial to the cybersecurity of businesses and individuals. While access to the internet has provided some growth and connection to the world, there is also a massive amount of cybersecurity threats.

For people across the Philippines to understand how crucial their data is, the National Cybersecurity is aggressive in its effects to educate people about the importance of the protection of data. Educating the nation helps protect people’s data so much easier.

Exposure to the internet at an early age does not happen to everyone. To this day, limited is the understanding of the repercussions of unsecured internet sites. For everyone’s protection, the plan has made it possible for the government to reach everyone with mobile phone access. This has made the dissemination of information so much easier and faster.

In addition to spreading information via text message, the Department of Information and Communications Technology also works hand in hand with other media and businesses to educate the nation. This is why people usually watch infomercials on cybersecurity when they watch movies in cinemas.

If more people have a better understanding of the importance of cybersecurity, there will be fewer cyber threats to address. At the same time, people would be aware of what to do when a threat does arise. While it is nearly impossible to prevent all kinds of cybersecurity threats, the National Cybersecurity Plan makes sure more people are informed of what best to do moving forward.

Other technology improvements

The National Cybersecurity Plan doesn’t just improve the information security of the Philippines and its citizens. It also paved the way for the ICT sector to take its efforts to the next level. The plan made the development of critical information infrastructure faster and more sustainable. It also made the coordination between all parties involved to be streamlined.

In turn, people across the country have benefited from the growth in technology. With better connectivity comes growth not just in the industry, but across different businesses as well. In turn, the Philippines gets to keep up with the demands of the world.

As more sophisticated threats arise, the Department of Information and Communications Technology can take action accordingly with the plan serving as the guide for progress. The plan serves as a guide, not as a checklist. This flexibility allows the government to be better equipped to address relevant issues and also use the best technologies available.

Modern problems require modern solutions. Through the plan, the government and the rest of the nation can move forward in an interconnected international society knowing there are measures in place for everyone’s safety.

The power of the internet

For you to take advantage of the tools of the information age, you need fiber internet at home. With a reliable internet provider in the Philippines, you can protect yourself from cyber threats. At the same time, you can educate yourself on what best to do in case of any cyber security threats. The plan may have provided the foundation for the nation’s cyber protection, but it requires active participation in order to be truly effective.

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