The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been dedicated to providing connectivity to Filipinos throughout the country. Despite the challenges faced in 2023, the agency has been working tirelessly to achieve its goal of setting up 15,000 connectivity or free Wi-Fi sites.
In an interview with The Manila Times, DICT Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso expressed the agency’s commitment to delivering connectivity to all parts of the Philippines. Currently, there are 13,000 sites that are up and running, with others pending acceptance from suppliers. This is a significant jump from the approximately 3,000 connectivity sites established by the end of 2022, representing an increase of 10,000 new connectivity sites.
One notable partnership that the department entered into was with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., bringing free connectivity to the Ilocos province. This collaboration has contributed to the agency’s efforts in expanding connectivity options for Filipinos.
Another achievement for the DICT this year was the launch of the “eGov PH Super App” project by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in June 2023. The eGov PH Super App serves as a one-stop-shop platform for national and local government services. Its purpose is to digitize public services, streamline the delivery of government services, and enhance accessibility for the Filipino people.
The eGov PH Super App offers a wide range of services, including the digitalization of government-issued IDs like the national ID and driver’s license. It also facilitates SIM card registration and integrates outbound and inbound travel declaration forms. Furthermore, the app extends connectivity to other government services such as business registration, tax payment, and social security benefits.
In terms of investments in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, the DICT has successfully attracted approximately $3 billion-$4 billion in investments to the country. These investments include a contracted investment from Japan to build the necessary infrastructure in the Philippines, as well as bilateral meetings with other countries that resulted in fruitful partnerships.
Aside from these achievements, the DICT has also focused on providing connectivity to several local government units (LGUs), including barangay halls. Additionally, the agency has prioritized upscaling ICT students to prepare them for the rapidly evolving sector, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
However, the DICT’s reputation faced challenges due to several incidents of cyberattacks on government websites. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) experienced a cyberattack from the Medusa Ransomware on September 22, 2023. This attack compromised the personal and sensitive information of several Filipinos, including names, addresses, and social security numbers, among other data.
Another government agency affected was the Philippine Statistics Authority, which announced on October 12, 2023, that personal and sensitive data from its Community-Based Monitoring System had been accessed by “bad actors.” Additionally, the website of the House of Representatives was hacked and defaced in October, temporarily rendering it inaccessible.
Despite these challenges, the DICT remains committed to its mission of providing connectivity to Filipinos nationwide. With ongoing efforts to establish more connectivity sites and improve cybersecurity measures, the agency strives to ensure that all Filipinos have access to reliable and secure digital services.
In conclusion, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has made significant progress in connecting Filipinos throughout the country. Through partnerships, initiatives like the eGov PH Super App, and investments in the ICT sector, the DICT is working towards enhancing accessibility and digitalizing public services. While cyberattacks on government websites have posed challenges, the DICT remains dedicated to delivering connectivity and improving cybersecurity measures for the benefit of all Filipinos.
Source: The Manila Times
