It almost seems ancient to talk about the time when people used written letters as their main form of communication.
 
Even the use of analog phones seems distant because of the dominance of new forms of technologies in smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and many other new technologies popping up left and right.
 
What is taken for granted with the boom of new technologies is the fact that the world has shrunk, to a point where even the youngest of people can navigate and travel the world in the comfort of their homes.
 
The power then rests upon the technologies that people have created with hopes of creating a better world, technologies that have vast potential toward nation-building but with many issues, a lot of them dire, that can reverse its forward momentum.

The Philippine ICT Landscape
 
Lawyer Adrian Jude Echaus, assistant bureau director of the National ICT Planning, Policy, and Standards Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), said that the Philippines ranked 87th out of 146 countries on Cisco’s Digital Readiness Index and 89th out of 192 countries based on the United Nations Global Innovation Index.
 
Director Echaus added that the country ranked first out of 192 countries on the United Nations’ World Risk Index, necessitating a need to plan and monitor the ICT situation in the country to lessen the risks noted.
 
Focusing on ASEAN countries, the Philippines still ranked 6th out of 10 countries on the International Communication Union’s Global Security Index and 5th out of 10 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Network Readiness Index.

Focusing on ASEAN countries, the Philippines still ranked 6th out of 10 countries on the International Communication Union’s Global Security Index and 5th out of 10 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Network Readiness Index.
 
The country’s internet landscape also leaves more room for improvement as the mobile broadband speed in the Philippines averages only 25.27 mbps, trailing the ASEAN countries’ average of 43.90 mbps and the world’s average of 42.07 mbps.
 
“Fixed broadband also has an average of 92.09 mbps according to the OOKLA Internet Speed Index report which is lower compared to the ASEAN average of 95.69 mbps,” Director Echaus added.
 
ICT Challenges
 
The DICT remarked that ICT is a rapidly-evolving field that encompasses a wide range of technologies and applications which require effective regulations and policies to manage its risks and their potential impacts.
 
Director Echaus said that the digital divide and inclusion is also a topic that needs to be addressed, as there still is a wide gap between those who have access to ICT such as internet connectivity and have digital literacy skills to those who do not.
 
The issue of protecting data also poses a big challenge as the ease of sharing and uploading data and information on the internet and other technologies continues to persist with little to no security involved.
 
“As more of our personal information is stored and shared online, ensuring the privacy and security of that data has become a major challenge. Cyber-attacks, data breaches, and identity theft are all growing threats,” Director Echaus said.

The Philippine ICT Agenda
 
The Philippines has meanwhile created different ICT agenda throughout the last few decades to keep up with the global technological shift, including the e-Philippine Strategy in the 1990s, the Philippine Strategic ICT Roadmap in the 2000s, the Philippine Digital Strategy in the 2010s and just this year, the National ICT Development Agenda (NICTDA) 2023-2028.
 
“NICTDA envisions to create a robust and resilient digital infrastructure, policies, and ecosystems that foster collaboration, innovation and competitiveness in positioning the country at the forefront of the global digital economy,” Director Echaus said.
 
Through the NICTDA, DICT hopes to contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development for all Filipinos and not just a select few while also aiming to promote government transparency and the country’s competitiveness in terms of digital literacy.
 

Fostering ICT Connectivity in Ilocos Region
 
The DICT Ilocos has meanwhile implemented different programs for the people of the region to have access to information, opportunities, and education, and to have the opportunity to participate in the growing digital economy.
 
DICT Ilocos regional director, Engr. Reynaldo Sy said that the agency has created a total of 148 free Wi-Fi sites throughout Region 1, with 60 allotted for Ilocos Norte, 55 for Ilocos Sur, 46 for Pangasinan, and 17 for La Union.

“We have six ongoing procurements of managed services to provide connectivity in 108 locations. A total of 364 sites is expected to be activated by the end of 2023,” Director Sy said.
 
The DICT has also provided fiber optics technology to provide government offices in the Ilocos Region with a high-speed broadband connection through their Government Network or GovNet.
 
The GovNet connects government offices to a data center that is operational and secured 24/7, enabling faster communication, easier access, and better coordination.
 
“There are 51 agencies connected to the GovNet in La Union, comprising 48 national government agencies, one national high school, one health service provider, and one local government unit. This network will soon be expanded to cater to more government institutions,” Director Sy added.

With the prevalence of typhoons and other calamities in the region, the DICT Region 1’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Division has also been actively participating in strengthening ICT capabilities in times of disaster, most notably during last month’s Super Typhoon Egay.
 
“DICT Region 1’s DRRM was also in active participation and assistance on the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) for Super Typhoon Egay, facilitating augmentation in communications,” Director Sy said.
 
Through the different programs implemented to boost ICT connectivity, technological development in Region 1 is one step closer to becoming a reality. (JCR/AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)