The Sub-committee on Communications of the Regional Development Council aims to advance digital integration among regional line agencies and local government units as its banner program for this year.
It also intends to foster stronger coordination among telecommunications companies and government agencies.
These were agreed upon during the meeting presided by Committee Chair and Department of Information and Communications Technology Regional Director Rey Parnacio.
The committee also agreed to meet quarterly instead of the two meetings per year, recognizing the demand for Information and Communications Technology services is crucial as the region continues to respond to the pandemic.
Jeff Corpuz of Globe Telecom said they have projects supporting the digital inclusivity program in the region such as the Free Go WiFi that aims to provide free connectivity, however, they have difficulty in implementing this because of the tedious of acquiring permits.
Corpuz asked the committee to help them in the approval of permits at the local governments so that they can reach more areas.
The DICT, as the lead agency in providing ICT services, reported 320 active sites with four access points per location are already established in the region.
A total of 141 sites with three access points per location are also established in Covid-19 facilities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
These services are under their Free WiFi for All flagship program that commenced in 2015.
On their Regional Government Network program, which aims to interconnect government agencies in the country, 69 active sites in Baguio City and La Trinidad are established with continuous operations and network maintenance.
On the DICT Vaccine Administration System (DVAS) that supports the National Immunization Program, 10 LGUs have adopted the real time reporting system in 11 bakuna sites.
The DVAS mobile system, which provides reporting facility for those who do not have regular Internet service, has been adopted by 45 LGUs and is being used in 48 bakuna sites.
The DICT will conduct trainings the whole year to assist the public in maximizing and navigating the various ICT medium and platforms.
The Sub-committee on Communications is chaired by the DICT.
It is under the bigger infrastructure development sector committee of the RDC-Cordillera. – Press release
April 20, 2024
