Introduction

The creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the
Philippines marked a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of technological advancement and
digital innovation. Established to address the growing importance of information and communications
technology (ICT) in the modern world, the DICT’s inception reflects the Philippines’ commitment to
harnessing the power of ICT for economic growth, improved governance, and enhanced connectivity.
This introduction explores the key factors, historical context, and objectives that led to the formation of
the DICT, shedding light on its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s digital future.

Background of DICT

Creation

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was Created under Republic Act
No. 10844, SEC 4. Otherwise known as the Department of Information and Communications Technology
Act of 2015 which was signed into law On May 23, 2016 by President Benigno Aquino III

Evolution

, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines has
transformed significantly, launching initiatives like the National Broadband Plan and “Free Wi-Fi for All”
to narrow the digital divide. Additionally, DICT’s GovCloud and the PhilSys National ID system have
enhanced government operations and streamlined transactions. The department remains adaptive, with
a focus on emerging technologies such as 5G and international collaboration, ensuring the Philippines’
continued digital empowerment.

Overview

In compliance with the law (SEC. 5. Mandate), The Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT) is designated as the central authority within the Executive Branch of the government.
Its core responsibilities encompass policy formulation, strategic planning, coordination, implementation,
and administrative functions; all geared towards the planning, development, and promotion of the
national ICT development agenda.

The DICT shall reinforce the following key Areas

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

I. Policy and Planning),

II.
(a) Formulate, recommend and implement 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;
(b)
 (c) 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;

• They create and implement policies and plans to promote the use of technology. They also work
government resources for better digital services.

III. Improved Public Access

(d) Prescribe 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;

€ Establish a free internet service that can be accessed in government offices and public areas using the
most cost-effective telecommunications technology, through partnership with private service providers
as may be necessary;

• They make rules and regulations for setting up technology infrastructure in areas that lack it working
with the local government units( LGU) and other private sector. They aim to provide free internet in
government offices and public places

IV. Resource-sharing and Capacity Building

(f) Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and initiatives to ensure knowledge, information and
resource-sharing, database-building and agency networking linkages among government agencies,
consistent with E-Government objectives in particular, and national objectives in general;

(g) Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT infrastructures and designs,
taking into consideration the inventory of existing manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and
installed systems;

(h) Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the development of guidelines in
the enforcement and administration of laws, standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;
 (i) Assess, review and support ICT research and development programs of the government in
coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other institutions
concerned;

(j) Prescribe the personnel qualifications and other qualification standards essential to the effective
development and operation of government ICT infrastructures and systems;

(k) Develop programs that would enhance the career advancement opportunities of ICT workers in
government;

(l) Assist in the dissemination of vital information essential to disaster risk reduction through the use of
ICT;

(m) Represent and negotiate for Philippine interest on matters pertaining to ICT in international bodies,
in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other institutions concerned;

•They coordinate national ICT plans, help agencies with technical guidance, and support ICT research
and development

V. Consumer Protection and Industry Development

(n) Ensure and protect the rights and welfare of consumers and business users to privacy, security and
confidentiality in matters relating to ICT, in coordination with agencies concerned, the private sector and
relevant international bodies;

(o) Support the promotion of trade and investment opportunities in the ICT and ICT-ES sectors, in
coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI_ and other relevant government agencies
and the private sector;

(p) Establish guidelines for public-private partnerships in the implementation of ICT projects for
government agencies;
 • They protect the rights of consumers and promote trade and investment in the tech sector. They also
establish guidelines for public-private partnerships and Promote strategic partnerships and alliances
between and among local and international ICT , research and development, educational and training
institutions to speed up industry growth and enhance competitiveness of Philippine workers, firms, and
small and medium enterprises in the global markets for ICT and ICT-ES;

VI. Cybersecurity Policy and Program Coordination

® To formulate a national cybersecurity plan consisting of robust and coherent strategies that would
minimize national security risks in order to promote a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative ICT
environment;

(s) To extend immediate assistance for the suppression of real-time commission of cybercrime offenses
and cyber-attacks against critical infrastructures and/or affecting national security through a computer
emergency response team (CERT);

(t) To provide pro-active government countermeasures to address and anticipate all domestic and
transnational incidents affecting the Philippine cyberspace and any cybersecurity threats to the country;

(u) To enhance the public-private partnership in the field of information sharing involving cyber-attacks,
threats and vulnerabilities, and to coordinate in the preparation of appropriate and effective measures
to prevent and suppress cybercrime as provided in R.A. No. 10175

(v) To monitor cybercrime cases being handled by participating law and prosecution agencies, and to
facilitate international cooperation on intelligence, investigations, training and capacity building related
to cybercrime prevention, suppression, and prosecution;

(w) To coordinate the support participation of the business sector, local government units and
nongovernment organizations in cybercrime prevention programs and other related projects;

(x) To recommend the enactment of appropriate laws, issuances, measures and policies;
(y) To call upon any government agency to render assistance in the accomplishment of the
Department’s mandated tasks and functions;

(z) To perform all other matters related to cybercrime prevention and suppression including capacity
building and such other functions and duties as may be necessary for the proper implementation of R.A.
No. 10175;

• They create a cybersecurity plan, respond to cybercrime, and coordinate efforts to prevent and
suppress cyber threats.

VII. Countryside Development

(aa) Formulate policies in consultation with local government units and other local stakeholders and line
agencies for the implementation of responsive, relevant and comprehensive ICT-related strategies to
improve the competitiveness of provincial locations for ICT and ICT-ES industry in order to develop
balanced investments between high-growth and economically-depressed areas and to promote the
development and widespread use of ICT;

(bb) Develop plans and programs in coordination with LGUs and other local stakeholders and line
agencies to ensure that universal access to ICT services and infrastructure are effectively utilized to
generate investments and opportunities in the rural area or areas unserved by private sector;

(cc) Assist, guide and support ICT-related activities and initiatives for countryside economic
development; and

(dd) Promote and assist LGUs and local stakeholders in developing specialized ICT-enabled investments
areas by providing technical and industry-calibrated assistance in the use of ICT for the enhancement of
key public services, development and promotion of local arts and culture, tourism, digital literacy, and
talent development.

•They work with local government units to develop technology strategies for rural areas, ensuring
access to ICT services and promoting economic development through technology.

In conclusion dict handles everything related to technology policies, access, cybersecurity, and using
technology for economic development in the country, including rural areas.
Policy Planning

The Learning Continuity Plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) is designed to be adaptable rather
than a one-size-fits-all policy. Education Secretary Briones emphasized that the choice of educational
modality will be tailored to the specific context and available resources of each school and its students.

Furthermore, DepEd is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT) to enhance physical security infrastructure and develop activity protocols. The
primary goal is to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and staff by mitigating potential security
breaches and exposure to harmful online content.

Examples –

The Sorsogon State College – Learning Management System (SSC-LMS) will serve as the main platform of
the College in delivering flexible learning among students this academic year.

It is supported by the learning platform MOODLE (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning

Environment) which allows teachers and students to collaborate and to create effective learning
communities considering flexible, remote or blended learning set-ups or conditions.

In addition, to its primary responsibilities, the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT) is expected to play a pivotal role in several key initiatives:

Safeguarding of Information

Nation building Through ICT

Advancement of ICT in the Philippines

Aligning with the current administration’s ICT Agenda, the DICT will prioritize the following:

Development of a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and
wireless technologies to improve internet speed.

Provision of Wi-Fi access at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries,
schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports, and seaports.

Development of a National ICT Portal.

Addressing connectivity gaps in the Philippines is a significant goal for the Department of Information
and Communications Technology (DICT). To improve connectivity, DICT can consider the following
strategies:
Infrastructure Development

: Invest in building and upgrading the necessary telecommunications infrastructure, including the
expansion of broadband networks and the installation of cell towers in underserved areas.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private telecom companies to accelerate network

expansion and promote healthy competition, which can lead to improved services and lower costs for
consumers.

Digital Inclusion: Develop programs to ensure that even remote and disadvantaged communities have
access to affordable internet services. This might involve subsidies or community-based internet
solutions.

Regulatory Reforms: Review and update regulations to encourage investment in the

telecommunications sector while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.

Digital Literacy: Implement educational initiatives to promote digital literacy and empower citizens to
make the most of available internet resources.

Data Privacy and Security: Strengthen data privacy and security measures to build trust in online
services, encouraging more people to use the internet safely.

Emergency Connectivity: Ensure that connectivity is resilient during emergencies by establishing

disaster-ready communication networks.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor progress, gather data on connectivity, and evaluate
the effectiveness of initiatives to make informed decisions and adjustments.

Government Adoption of Technology

s is essential for improving public services, increasing efficiency, and enhancing transparency. Key
initiatives include:

E-Government Services: Offering online platforms for various government services, such as tax
payments, permit applications, and online forms, to reduce bureaucracy and streamline processes.
Digital Payments: Encouraging digital payments and cashless transactions to improve financial inclusion
and transparency while reducing the reliance on cash.

Enhanced Cybersecurity

How the DICT enhanced cybersecurity in the Philippines, along with a specific event example:

National Cybersecurity Plan: The DICT developed a comprehensive strategy to protect against cyber
threats at the national level.

Example: In 2020, the DICT launched the “National Cybersecurity Plan 2022-2028,” outlining key
objectives and strategies to strengthen the country's cyber defenses.

Enforcing Cybersecurity Laws: The DICT likely proposed and enforced cybersecurity laws and regulations
to ensure organizations follow security standards.

Example: The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 allowed authorities to prosecute cybercrimes,
enhancing legal measures against online threats.

Training Programs: The DICT offered training programs to improve the cybersecurity skills of
government and private sector personnel.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with various entities, such as government agencies and
international organizations, to share threat intelligence and best practices. Example: The DICT
cooperated with INTERPOL in 2018 to combat cybercrime, sharing information on cyber threats and
criminal activities

Monitoring via NCSOC: The DICT established a National Cybersecurity Operations Center (NCSOC) for
real-time threat monitoring and response. Example: The NCSOC detected and mitigated a significant
cyberattack on a government website in 2020, preventing data breaches.