Philippines reveals ICT plan

digital strategy to leverage ICT, in order to boost the country's economic development, reports The Manila Bulletin.

Department of Science and Technology secretary Mario Montejo says in a GMA News report: “The decision affirms the president's commitment to align the government's ICT infrastructure, programme.”

Montejo explains the strategy plans as “inclusive for economic growth and efficient governance by integrating ICT policies, programmes, and resources with research and continuing innovation led by the Department of Science and Technology.”

However, Philippines senator Edgardo Angara argues against the president's decision to fold the functions of the CICT into an office of the Department of Science and Technology, will “dramatically reduce” the attention and resources devoted to the development of the outsourcing sector, states Sun Star.

Angara warns this could slow down the growth of the business process outsourcing firms.

He says the IT and outsourcing sectors have been asking for a government department "to serve as a one-stop shop for their needs and concerns."

In 2010, the IT-outsourcing sector raised $9 billion in revenues and created 530 000 jobs, according to Angara. In addition, total employment in outsourcing firms is expected to reach 1.3 million by 2016.