IT eats a big chunk of RP’s national budget

Increase in IT budget will continue to soar , and swallow bigger allocation, among Asia-Pacific countries, particularly of the nation's budget, including the Philippines. Given the Trillion-plus approved budget for this year, most agencies have earmarked significant cost for computerization, automation and so on. Thus, it is high time we ensure proper management of this budget, not just per agency level, but on an integrated national level. THis is the most appropriate time that we look into seriously the creation of the Department of ICT, as proposed in bills submitted in the House of Representatives, and Senate, but bypassed twice and did not even reach second reading in the Upper chamber. this year, the bill is once again filed in the Senate, by Sen. Loren Legarda. But i am hoping she will give the same efforts in pursuing this bill, the same way she pushes and expresses her passion for her advocacies in the environment. the DICT bill will not answer all our problems and failure in maximizing ICT, particularly in public sector, for economic growth. But it could be a good start, the same way Thailand and Malaysia have done. THe DICT bill may have numerous flaws, but i do hope that it will at least reach second reading, and undergo extensive committee meetings and public consultations. That way, the level of awareness of our people on how important and advantageous the use of ICT in propelling our economic growth in the hope of becoming a 1st world country in the next two decades will be achieved. The ICT sector has so much to offer for our country, but it is wary as to the way our government works. I do hope it finds the information champions in both the House and the Senate it badly needs to get some attention.