Since 2008, June of every year has been celebrated as ICT
Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008. This is in
recognition of the power of ICT as a strategic tool in governance, in
delivering government services, and in driving economic growth.
The National ICT Summit was well attended, with over 500
government executives, ICT managers and practitioners, local government
officials, academics, the private sector, students, and ICT industry players
participating in the event.
Gracing the event was none other than President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte who was guest of honor and speaker at the two-day summit.”
President Rodrigo R. Duterte with the delegates of the NICT
Summit 2018. In the photo are keynote speakers from Microsoft Philippines,
Joanna Rodriguez, Public Sector Director and Atty. Raul Cortez, Corporate,
External and Legal Affairs Director. (Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)
A faster and more efficient Government
In today’s digital world, it’s clear how huge ICT’s role is
in the development of government services. Throughout the entire month of June,
the DICT showcased projects that harnessed ICT to improve the efficiency of government
processes that positively impact the Filipino public. From seminars,
conferences, fora, focus group discussions, to technical trainings, there was
no shortage of activities that presented and discussed emerging ICT
technologies, products, services and new paradigms.
At the summit, the DICT showcased how ICT transforms the
way government flagship and mission-critical projects such as the bold
"Build, Build, Build" Program and the "Ambisyon Nation
2040" are efficiently implemented, monitored and managed.
To empower the Filipino, the government is looking to ICT
to improve access to accurate information and develop more efficient services.
This is through complementing government ICT plans, programs, policies,
guidelines and standards affecting processes and the delivery of information
and services to the people.
Digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI
Also present at the National ICT summit was Microsoft, a
digital transformation leader who presented global best ICT practices, emerging
technology solutions, tools and paradigms that will allow the Philippines to
leap-frog development stages.
In a keynote presentation, Microsoft Philippines discussed
the economic impact of digital transformation, the hidden costs of
cybersecurity, the future that is artificial intelligence, as well as the value
of ICT in the development of the country.
“ICT remains a core component in the transformation and
development of the Philippines. As the world moves toward a more digital way of
life, so must our country. Technology is the great equalizer, and the key
towards reaching our full potential,” said Christian Lim, Country COO -
Microsoft Philippines.
As the country embraces digital technologies, Microsoft
urged attendees to be vigilant and reminded them of the value of cybersecurity
-- in terms of economic loss and loss of trust. Similar to the Comelec breach
in 2016, breaches can come from anywhere, so it is extremely important the
government’s data is secure.
Moreover, AI is a technology that is becoming more
pervasive and can be a big contributor to the Philippines’ digital
transformation. In particular, Microsoft highlighted conversational AI, such as
chatbots, and how it is already making waves around the world. In fact, AI is
already being utilized to serve local communities in other Asian nations like
China and Japan.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio testing the virtual reality
features of the Hololens as showcased by Ellinov, a Microsoft partner.
Microsoft Philippines leadership team was present as well to welcome the Mayor.
(Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)
“Microsoft is all about empowering people and organizations
with technology. So it goes without saying that we are staunch supporters of
the administration and the DICT’s mission to empower Filipinos through digital
transformation,” said Lim. “Through the digital transformation of our
government processes, we don’t just address operational inefficiencies, but
create meaningful economic impact as well, leading to further development of the
Philippines.”
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