By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) — The head of the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) is optimistic that a single agency for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will materialize in the country in the next administration.
PSIA President Jonathan de Luzuriaga, in a panel discussion during the 2nd Philippine Cloud Summit held in Makati Shang-ri La Wednesday, said the bill establishing a Department of ICT passed the second reading in the House of Representative just recently.
He, however, cited that due to time constraints its eventual approval within the current administration is not that positive.
“Best case scenario it can be approved in the next administration,” he said.
De Luzuriaga, who is a Managing Partner of local advisory, research and consulting firm Compos Mentis Inc., said the information technology industry of the country is united on pushing for the bill’s approval.
“The entire industry is united and have been clamoring for this,” he said.
De Zuluriaga cited that it would be hard for politicians not to notice the industry’s support on the bill since about 1.1 million Filipinos are employed in the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry.
“We’ve got very forward-thinking politicians now…It’s only a matter of time before we see this being realized,” he added.
House of Representative Speaker Feliciano Belmonte earlier assured the public that they will push for the bill’s approval for the government to ensure an enhanced interconnectivity in the country.
A similar measure has passed the third and final reading in the Senate last June 1.
The Senate version, which pushes for the creation of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), targets to promote digital literacy and competitiveness in the country. (PNA)