Information and Communication Technology in the Philippines

The pervasiveness of communication technology around the world necessitates that government embark on a cohesive and coordinated strategy on how to prepare its tizzies to survive, live and thrive in a digital world. The world is experiencing a digital revolution and the Philippines have the opportunity to play an enormous role in it. Information and Communications Technology (CIT) is an important part in the country development. Opportunities abound with the help of 'CT. The current CIT master plan for the Philippines dates back to 2006.

With all of the new developments In this highly dynamic field, there Is clearly a need to develop a new blueprint on how the country and Its people can benefit from the use of CIT In governance, our economy and Improving one's way of life. The Philippines positions itself at the forefront of the digital revolution - dynamic and In command of the future. CIT is used extensively in the delivery of career information and guidance. Such usage covers wide range of applications. The role of CIT in guidance can be seen in three ways: as a tool, as an alternative, or as an agent of change.

The growth of websites and helpline as forms of technically mediated service delivery means that the potential of CIT as a change agent is now greater than ever before. Current business-command the optimization of CIT usage to support national objectives of becoming a high Income developed country. Thus as an enable, CIT In public sector must be addressed In general manner Including people, process and technology where internal and external needs must be taken into place. The CIT policy.

However, the lack of a coherent policy is likely to contribute to the development (or prolonged existence) of ineffective infrastructure and a waste of resources. The importance of CIT policies is understood at the highest political level in many developing countries, and some countries have already adopted their own policies. The effectiveness of an CIT policy in one country does not guarantee that the same teeth would work in another and many developing countries face similar constraints that need to be taken into account when CIT policies are formulated.Philippines' CIT against Other Countries CIT Development Current trends the world over the pointed to the fact that the major developments in the information economy. It resulted in revolutionize the way people communicate and for the governments and firms to interact and conduct business. The presence of a reliable, accessible and affordable Philippine Information and communications infrastructure is a necessary condition for our participation in the information economy.

Without it, our country will once again face the prospect of being marginalia in the global economy.The next part of this case study will discuss a brief Act's plan and current situation of our 3 neighboring countries; Singapore One of the key drivers of the Singapore Economic growth is their 'CT. The island state is well connected via both fixed and wireless networks. By early 2012, their mobile penetration has passed 150%. By maintaining Singapore status as an CIT market leader, the government launched its plan for a nationwide fiber-based broadband network known as the Next Generation Broadband Network (NAGGING) and his is being rolled out in line with the government's strategy.Hong Kong The world's freest economy, characterized by free trade, free market and free flow of capital with stable and freely convertible currency and no foreign exchange controls.

Their CIT development, the free flow of information with no censorship on content transmission provided a good environment for the development of web- based businesses such as content and media and cloud computing. In the next few years' government will increasingly adopt cloud-based services. Such initiative will spawn opportunities for vendors and providers.Their telecommunications infrastructure is one of the most sophisticated in the world, with a wide range of innovative and advance services available in relatively low prices. The country also ensure the online secure. Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HACKER) was set up to coordinate responses to computer security incident, promote information security and take preventive measures against Malaysia's national transformation agenda envisions an innovative citizen-centric model of public service delivery accordance with the country principles.

This is undertaken in tandem with a bold economic transformation approach to propel their countries in to a high-income economy by 2020. The effective utilization and application of information and communications technology (ACT) across multi-faceted service delivery of internal and government operations. The developments of country future where the CIT implementation comprise a suite of service offerings and infrastructure development that support a fundamental shift towards a collaborative and co-operative arrangement of open consultation, open data, shared knowledge and expertise.The Malaysian Public Sector CIT Strategic Plan (2011-2015) provides the blueprint to accelerate the innovative utilization and development of CIT in readiness for the ever-changing service landscape facing their public sector.

Is it our country really prepared for this to compete with our neighboring countries? Can we level up our CIT sector with them? How ready is our country to harness the fast phase and benefits of information and communications technology?Our country main department about CIT related issues is the COT (Information and Communications Technology Office) which is under the Department of Science and Technology which is the former Commission on Information and Communications Technology (ACT). The 'Coot's primary thrusts for 2011-2016 are in the areas of CIT Industry Development, E-government, CIT Policy Development, CIT infrastructure and Cyber security.As designated organization by our government COT will ensure the development and implementation of comprehensive program to sustained the growth and comprehensiveness of CIT industries segments and firms; formulate an integrated program to support the growth of the CIT industry in the regions; undertake the development of an industry-relevant curriculum in coordination with the industry, overspent and academe to enhance the competitiveness of the CIT workforce, formulate, recommend and implement a comprehensive and harmonize CIT promotions and advocacy programs.Facilitating 'Coot's mandate in formulation CIT policies, implementing CIT plans and programs, leading international CIT cooperation bodies, and other related functions is the CIT Governance Policy and Planning group, which take lead in multi- stakeholder policy development. Primary initiatives for the policy and planning includes; National Connectivity and Broadband Development Plan, Philippine Digital Strategy (PDP) Implementation Plan, Cyber security and Data Privacy, CIT Procurement Standards, Digital TV Migration, CIT Standardization and the Philippine CIT statistics Portal.

Ensuring that CIT access and Internet opportunities are available for the entire strategic CIT infrastructure. The CIT infrastructure Group through its various programs ensures that these connectivity requirements are met in an efficient and effective manner. These projects include the TV White Space Initiatives (TV'S), Government Fiber Core Network, Upgrade of National Microwave Network, Cloud Top e-Learning for Public Schools and Internet TV Tested. With all the documents presented our country policies regarding in boosting our CIT development and infrastructure are impressive.But only question is that, is there will be enough budget that the government will provide to sustain these developments? We might left behind in many aspects with our neighboring countries in terms of CIT development but we can still move forward and have these implemented with the right manpower, policy and full support from our government and private sector as well. Recommendation for CIT Development We are all contributors to the development of the global economy.

Globalization, which is made possible by the CIT revolution, has extremely changed the rules of the development of it. Efficiency more than ever is now an indicator of competitiveness to achieve our nations goals. Nations, corporations and people that find the means to become more efficient will advance and prosper. We all know that in our country CIT will be one of the major drivers for boosting economy, and as a critical tool for better governance, corporate performance and individual achievement as a Filipino.Our government's should provide an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment for the CIT development.

This means that our government should act as a facilitator and its involvement should be predictable, developmental, transparent and efficient. With more transparency in government operations and diminishing corruption by placing more government data in the public domain using the Internet, thus increasing opportunities for public scrutiny.For government more improvement for CIT development they must build public trust, enhance citizen to participate in government projects and activities, improve government's public services online, and improve country competitive news thru more efficient government operations. Another factors that needs to give attention to our country CIT development are the private sectors, civic organizations and society, international organizations they the role and responsibility as well.There are some actions that need to implement in order for these organization to help on enhancing our CIT programs: * By providing knowledge tools and enhance capacity in industry sectors to take advantage the 'CT. * Create an environment for Job growth in CIT and 'CT-enable Job all over the research, innovation, development & manufacturing In order to ensure the success and sustainability of CIT initiatives, investors should e enabled by ensuring their direct participation during its conceptualization, planning and implementation.

These sectors have the role as well to provide investments, capitals and other resources. By this the project for the CIT sector will be higher change of success and sustainability if these are market-led, rather than government-led. Let us not also forget the Lugs, schools and other community organizations, they must be consulted and their specific requirements are determined. They as well have an active involvement to the operations in building the CIT of our country on their own respective area of Jurisdiction.Many of us today use the Internet for a variety of reasons: e-mailing to connect with friends and family, for business and work correspondence, web-browsing for news, research and entertainment, and increasingly for richer media and applications, such as watching online TV, posting videos and photos, as well as creating Internet content through blobs and other interactive forum. Being able to use the Internet has become an important necessity to any social and work life.

For many different reasons, there are also many Filipinos who are not able to access the benefits the Internet has to offer. Some cannot afford the Internet or amputees; others do not know how to use the Internet; and there are parts of the country where there is no Internet service or even electricity available, such as in more rural areas. Not only is the possibility and ability to use the Internet important for individuals, but also for countries as a whole. In our globalize world, the connectedness and Internet capabilities of a country are important elements for its competitiveness.Developing the Internet, including to rural areas, leads to new opportunities for nonagricultural employment, better paying agricultural Jobs and greater overall productivity. Access to the Internet also promotes small and microbreweries growth, allows people in remote areas to work from home, offers greater access to crop market prices and enables rural businesses perhaps to compete more successfully even in the world markets.

As far as I can say creating Internet opportunities for all guarantees that the Philippines has an inclusive growth and helps eliminate poverty.This is become possible if our country will have the following: * Improve and will have cost efficient broadband service delivery, network infrastructure expansion and upgrade competition. * Broadband Internet service at consumer level. If possible to have at least one Internet center/cafe in each remote bargain in our country. * Each public school will have their own computer laboratory with complete Internet service off course restricted sites will be blocked. Development of CIT in our country.

In line with its declared initiatives related to e- Governance, the government as well as the private sector has put in place some key measures aimed at facilitating the realization of e-Government. The development of a transparent and citizen-centric government - using CIT where appropriate - needs to be spearheaded at the highest level and involve government dervish in order to foster commitment to e-Government and e-Governance development goals. The creation of a cabinet-level council is critical to obtaining the necessary commitment and level of coordination in pursuing a strategic roadman for CIT development.