GENEVA, July 11, 2023: In his recent speech at the International telecommunications Union (ITU) high-level panel “Navigating the Frontiers of Emerging Technologies: Opportunities and Concerns,” Secretary Ivan John Enrile Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), shared the Philippine Government’s initiatives to address the digital divide.

Joining Secretary Uy is Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, ITU councilor of the Philippines, who is tasked to represent the country in the ITU Council where 48 countries were elected last October 2022 to sit for four years in the highest policy making body for ICT of the United Nations.

Secretary Uy highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility and meaningfulness of disruptive technologies to Filipinos, emphasizing job creation and workforce competency. He revealed plans to double the current 5 million online freelancers and 1.5 million jobs in the business process management industry by 2028.

In alignment with the ITU’s call for Universal Access, the government is implementing the Philippine National Broadband Program (NBP), a comprehensive initiative to bolster national connectivity. The NBP encompasses the establishment of a National Fiber Backbone, international Cable Landing Stations, accelerated tower and fiber builds, and a satellite overlay for continuous service, particularly in disaster-stricken or unserved areas.

The government’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program offers free internet in public spaces, which for some beneficiaries, serves as their only internet source. The government has also established policies allowing complete foreign ownership for digital infrastructure and business process investments.

Secretary Uy further announced the launch of the nationwide eGOV SuperApp, designed to streamline government transactions. He emphasized the potential of advanced technologies, such as AI and space technologies, to foster societal advancement and contribute to a sustainable future, while emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines and international collaboration.

He encouraged the ITU to lead the development of universal technical standards, advocate knowledge sharing and capacity building, and offer policy guidance for the responsible and inclusive implementation of these technologies.

Joining Uy as in the panel was Deepak Balgobin, the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation of Mauritius; and Nathaniel C. Fick, the United States Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Irene Kaggwa, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, served as the moderator of the panel.

ouiid@dict.gov.ph