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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently organised the Data Dissemination Forum to unveil the insights from a Survey on Information and Communications Technology (SICT). Marking a departure from the simultaneous release of the Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry, this dedicated forum aimed to shed light on the state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Philippines.
Attended by various stakeholders, including government agencies and industry representatives, the forum underscored the critical role of ICT, particularly in the context of the ongoing digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic.
The SICT is a key instrument for gauging the progress of ICT in the country. The data gathered contributes to evidence-based policymaking, helping to formulate initiatives and programmes geared towards the advancement of ICT.
Director Francis Mark A Quimba, PhD, of the Philippine APEC Study Centre Network of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies highlighted the global recognition of the importance of ICT and the digital economy, as evident in the recently concluded 2023 APEC Leaders’ Golden Gate Declaration.
The Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a groundbreaking initiative, was emphasised, reflecting the collective effort to establish a cohesive and integrated digital economy across the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Philippine Development Plan’s focus on rapid digital economy expansion and the digital transformation of the government aligns with these global trends. Director Francis cited specific data items in the survey instrument that play a significant role in implementing the digital economy framework in the ASEAN region.
Reports based on the SICT results indicate that data users can identify areas requiring infrastructure improvement to boost ICT growth and suggest measures to attract more investments in ICT for enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.
Recommendations include incorporating questions on employees’ digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and LGU readiness on ICT to provide policymakers with insights for capacity-building programs.
The survey recognises the emergence of the digital economy as a critical driver of growth and innovation, presenting both opportunities and challenges for countries worldwide. It also highlighted the need to consider emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) when establishing new indicators for the survey, contributing to the continuous improvement of the data governance framework.
The Data Dissemination Forum on the SICT results not only serves as a comprehensive overview of the state of ICT in the Philippines but also emphasises the pivotal role of the digital economy in shaping the nation’s future.
Results from the SICT serve as a critical compass for informed decision-making in the Philippines. The alignment of these insights with international dynamics positions the nation strategically within the ever-evolving digital landscape.
By gauging the pulse of ICT through dedicated forums like the Data Dissemination Forum, the Philippines not only anticipates challenges but also seizes opportunities, fostering a competitive and resilient digital ecosystem.
The multifaceted nature of the SICT results ensures a nuanced understanding of ICT’s role, allowing policymakers to tailor strategies that resonate with both global benchmarks and local imperatives. This strategic alignment not only bolsters the nation’s digital infrastructure but also catalyses initiatives that place the Philippines at the forefront of the digital revolution.
The survey’s insights go beyond statistics, becoming a cornerstone for shaping policies that empower the country to navigate the complexities of the digital era and emerge as a dynamic player in the global digital economy.
