Aquino signs new law, creates ‘Department of Information and Communications Technology’

President Benigno Aquino III, today, signed Republic Act no. 10844 creating a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and renames the current Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to “Department of Transportation.”

One of the main goals of the new law is to recognize that information and communication are vital roles in nation-building in addition to making sure that everyone has access to quality, affordable, reliable, and secure ICT services.

The list goes on ensuring the provision of a strategic, cost-efficient, and citizen-centric information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, systems, and resources since these are all needed for good governance and global competitiveness.

In addition, it also dictates the availability and accessibility of ICT services in areas not adequately served by the private sector.

Section 15 of the new law talks about the Transfer of Agencies and Personnel that will abolish the present agencies including their powers and functions, applicable funds, records, equipment, and more to the DICT. These agencies include:

• Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO)
• National Computer Center (NCC)
• National Computer Institute (NCI); Telecommunications Office (TELOF)
• National Telecommunications Training Institute (NTTI)
• All operating units of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) with functions and responsibilities dealing with communications

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. added that the DICT shall be headed by a Secretary and will be assisted by three Undersecretaries and four Assistant Secretaries that should at least have seven years of competence and expertise in any of the following:

1. Information and communications technology
2. Information technology service management
3. Information security management
4. Cybersecurity
5. Data Privacy
6. E-Commerce
7. Human capital development in the ICT sector

To view the full copy of the new law, head over to Inquirer.net.

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