DICT calls for restrictions to be lifted in the implementation of cell sites.
The Philippines Government is set to drive the advancement of the digital transformation in the country, in a bid to help the country’s economy recover from COVID-19.
According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) supports the National Economic Development Authority NEDA Acting Secretary, Karl Kendrick Chua, emphasised the need to transition to a digital economy to better adapt to the ‘new normal’.
Acting Secretary Chua pointed out that several structural reforms are also needed to be put in place.
DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said the Agency fully supports the efforts of NEDA and continues to implement programs aimed at creating a digital government, community, and economy.
“Under the banner of a Digital Philippines, we are employing a holistic approach towards digitalisation, focusing on connectivity, cybersecurity and digital literacy,” he said. We are optimistic that the transition of the Philippines to a digital economy will make the country’s economy more resilient to external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The announcement comes off the back of DICT calling on local government units (LGUs) as well as homeowners associations (HOAs) to ease restrictions on the implementation of cell sites and other ICT infrastructure.
According to DICT, t the need for LGUs and HOAs to cooperate in addressing the people’s need for connectivity and better quality of ICT services.
It hopes that ICT infrastructure providers will be fostered at the local level to fast track their roll out and construction of much-needed infrastructure during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The Agency has also appealed to all checkpoint officials and other entities enforcing the quarantine, to ensure unhampered movement of ICT personnel and equipment of telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, cable television providers, said Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II.
“Internet access has become an essential utility in our collective efforts to significantly improve the public health situation,” he said. “With that in mind, we should keep working together for the continued improvement of our internet connectivity infrastructure.”
He added the “countrymen’s increased demand for connectivity is one of the President’s core priorities”, and the Government “encourages the accelerated rollout of more telco sites to promptly improve internet access”.
