The Department of Information and Communications Technology seeks the approval of a P46.6-billion budget for fiscal year 2021 to implement the agency’s strategic programs towards digital transformation in the new normal.
DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said the proposed budget was in line with the goals of the National Economic Development Authority and the Inter-Agency Task Force-Technical Working Group on Anticipatory and Forward Planning to rebuild the economy and adapt to the “new normal” of economic activity.
The DICT allotted P22.1 billion, the biggest chunk of the proposed budget, for its Digital Connectivity and Access programs, particularly the National Broadband Program, the Free Wi-Fi for All in Public Places and State Universities and Colleges Program and the Government Emergency Communications System.
“Digital connectivity and access is the foundation of digital transformation. It is only with a secure and reliable Internet connectivity for every Filipino can we implement programs and initiatives towards digitalization in various sectors of our society,” Honasan said.