News Release

PBBM to gov’t partners: ‘Help build better ICT sector, bureaucracy’


President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Wednesday called on government partners to help build a better and more progressive future for the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector and the bureaucracy, as he pledged to realize the vision of a digital Philippines.

Addressing the National Information and Communications Technology Summit 2022 at the Manila Hotel, Marcos said although the Philippines lags behind other countries in terms of digitalization, it could catch up because it has the tools, knowledge, and manpower.

“All that is left to do is to have the will and the resolve to achieve it,” he said in his speech.

“So I reiterate my call to our partners: Let us forge ahead, build a better, brighter, more progressive future for the ICT sector, for the bureaucracy, for the entire Philippines,” the President said.

Marcos also called on the members of Congress to immediately pass the E-Governance and E-Government bills, which, he said, will be consolidated by legislators.

The passage of these bills will ensure fast, transparent, and efficient government service, according to the chief executive.

“I, therefore, call on all our fellow servant-leaders in Congress to help accelerate the approval of these bills once again,” he said.

The President also said the country could achieve a digital Philippines by enhancing its digital infrastructure, improving the regulatory framework for innovation, ensuring cybersecurity and developing the country’s digital workforce.

Calling for a more cohesive public-private collaboration, he said: “So let’s work together to optimize the opportunities provided by ICT for nation-building.”

The Philippines, ranking 89th out of 193 countries in the United Nations E-Government Survey, is not an encouraging number, Marcos pointed out, as he expressed optimism that the country can do better with its best and tech-savvy ICT professionals.

The President expects the summit to yield actionable proposals toward a truly citizen-centric, inclusive, and sustainable e-governance ecosystem. PND