TODAY is the age of information, the main driver of life due to its immense influence on the technology that keeps the society moving. Through phone screens, LED billboards, and televisions, information and communication are inevitably intertwined with each Filipino. At the helm of ensuring this technology remains available and accessible to everyone is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
Primarily, the DICT is the government agency tasked with developing, planning and promoting the national ICT agenda enshrined in Republic Act (RA) 10844. Its functions are further divided into six main agendas: policy and planning, improved public access, resource-sharing and capacity building, consumer protection and industry development, cybersecurity policy and program coordination, and countryside development.
As the agency celebrates its 10th founding anniversary, its achievements in making connections possible define its success.
“For [10] years, the DICT has served as the country’s lead agency in shaping its digital future under RA 10844. From expanding connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, to enabling digital government platforms, strengthening cybersecurity systems, and promoting digital literacy, the Department has worked to close long-standing gaps in access and opportunity. At the heart of this journey is a simple but enduring mission: to bring government and opportunity closer to every Filipino through digital means,” the agency said through a news release on its official website.
DICT will inevitably have to create a masterplan for artificial intelligence (AI), which is both considered a pioneering and a controversial technology. According to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, the agency is preparing a master plan for building infrastructure that could support upcoming AI technologies.
Aguda added that the agency is working on an AI policy for regulation and the implementation of the infrastructure, which must be expedited to ensure that the Philippines may use this technology to its full potential and productivity.
A SIM card is a person’s first line of connection in terms of communication and internet. Recently, DICT has committed to roll out Bayanihan SIM cards, bridging the gap to the digital divide. Through these SIM cards, Filipinos could better access public services, education and economic opportunities online.
In a Kapihan forum — hosted by the Philippine Information Agency — DICT Ilocos Officer-in-Charge Jaemie Ruiz-Chua shared most of the allocated Bayanihan SIMs in Ilocos have been distributed to students mainly and to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) Program. He said the objective of the program is to make connectivity more accessible, especially since many government services are now shifting online. He also said that across the region, the demand for the Bayanihan SIMs continues to grow, with more beneficiaries requesting beyond the 4PS program.
The service does not stop with distribution; DICT also provides information on cyber hygiene and digital literacy, ensuring its beneficiaries use these services accordingly and wisely. They are given detailed instructions on maintaining online safety, proper use of digital technologies and data privacy. Part of this orientation are instructions on downloading the eGovPH mobile application, the national government’s one-stop online shop for services and information. Ruiz-Chua highlighted the positive feedback they have gotten from students and beneficiaries, driving the agency to move forward and ensure that no Filipino is left offline.
In another part of the country, the Bayanihan SIM program has given students from rural areas an opportunity to learn. Students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) have experienced better access to online learning through this project. A student in Koronadal, South Cotabato expressed her joy for the initiative because it not only helped in her studies but also enabled her to stay connected with her parents.
Currently there are 49,179 SIM cards distributed to underserved communities, with 50,040 more SIM cards targeted to be given away by this month. The SIM cards will include 25 Gigabytes of free mobile data per month for one year.
On the eGovPH app, DICT has also said optimization efforts are under way. According to DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr., the app has already reached 51 million downloads, showcasing the increased demand for government information and services online. The planned optimization is necessary for continuous system improvement and streamlining operations online.
The eGovPH app, aside from simplifying access to government services, also provides access to important documents and identification cards such as a digital version of the National ID, NBI clearance, PhilHealth ID, PRC ID, or Driver’s license. Likewise the Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) Systems digitalizes local government services such as frontline transactions, barangay clearance, and business permits. DICT Region 4-B (Mimaropa) encourages Filipinos to also utilize the eLGU system aside from the eGovPH app.
DICT, through the National Computer Emergency Response Team (Ncert), is also closely monitoring the official websites of government agencies in light of the temporary outage experienced by the Philippine Communications Office and Official Gazette websites. Ncert is conducting an investigation to determine the root cause of the website outage. The technical teams were immediately deployed to restore the websites upon learning of the outage.
Aside from the Bayanihan SIM cards, the DICT is also rolling out free WiFi facilities to enable Filipinos to connect seamlessly. This is reflected in DICT Region 6 (Western Visayas) by expanded free internet access with large-scale digital skills training programs to improve economic inclusions. DICT Region 6 Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Christian Mark Guingcangco said the initiative would bring digital opportunities closer to communities. Whether people are in public plazas, libraries, or transportation terminals, the digital world can now be easily accessed even at the countryside. At the heart of this technology is to make it inclusive for everyone.
Nationwide, the agency is planning to provide free WiFi around 60,000 sites this year. Aguda said this number consists of DICT’s free WiFi and public internet access, including those that will be provided for the Department of Education. Aguda also pointed out that the agency’s target for the number of public WiFi spots is at 130,000. As of 2025, 19,000 sites had already been established. The Free WiFi spots will be placed in schools, underserved markets, and health facilities.
According to the agency, it is not enough that these free services are offered; part of the package is to help Filipinos use these technologies to gain skills for participation in the digital economy. The initiative aims to enhance digital competencies, create new opportunities and improve employability across the region.
These skills improvement training initiatives include technical and programming courses covering foundational technology and cybersecurity competencies; a digital workforce and freelancing course on virtual assistance, AI-powered interaction, and Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) skills; and a digital literacy training that teaches basic office applications and digital tools for individuals and micro, small, and medium enterprises. According to DICT Region 6 Assistant Regional Director Gymeo Sollano, the initiative is open to all who are interested, especially those who have limited resources for learning.
On online safety and cyber hygiene, DICT recognizes that there are certain populations who are more vulnerable to predatory online schemes and scams. One of these populations is the senior citizens and elderly people. To ensure their safety, DICT - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted an information drive to help senior citizens have a better grasp of technology.
According to DICT-CAR Regional Director Jimmiccio Daoaten, the information drive consists of basic and advanced cybersecurity measures and proper use of cell phones. The goal is to instill a sense of healthy skepticism in the elderly when it comes to online posts so they would not have the tendency to believe everything that they see online.
This is part of the agency’s advocacy for careful use of technologies and mobile apps, especially in an age when technology evolves rapidly and there are certainly emerging new ones such as AI. The information courses are either delivered online or face-to-face.
DICT’s Cebu sector is also ramping up efforts to improve connectivity in the Central Visayas region. This includes building digital infrastructure and cybersecurity programs.
According to DICT Region 7 (Central Visayas) Regional Director Frederick Amores, further development is expected in key underserved areas such as rural communities in Bohol. The agency aims to solve this through infrastructure such as satellite technology.
Technology is not only used for better connection; it can also be utilized to serve the health needs of the people. In Oriental Mindoro, the agency distributed 65 tablets from the United Nations Development Programme. These tablets will enable faster health data reporting, patient, monitoring, and emergency response. Previously, the agency also distributed 200 tablets in Mimaropa
DICT does not only specialize in providing accessible connection and technology; it is also actively involved in economic development. DICT Region 11 (Davao Region) is currently holding a job fair, showcasing over 742 opportunities across various sectors. This activity is also a part of the agency’s anniversary celebration.
The job fair would cater to a wide array of job seekers such as fresh graduates, career changers, and experienced professionals. As a DICT job fair, it is expected that digital workers looking for jobs in the remote working sector and tech-driven roles are also catered.
Job seekers have the opportunity to interact directly with employers, and on-the-spot applications will be accepted. Government services are also available on site, helping job seekers secure their careers in a speedy and accessible manner.
Aside from its anniversary, the month of June is also recognized as the National ICT Month. The theme of the celebration is “Isang Dekadang Digital: Konektado sa Puso at Serbisyo” (A digital decade: Connected heart and service). The celebration included conversations on digital education, connectivity, and inclusive learning opportunities; Cybersecurity awareness and digital safety initiatives; programs on digital skills development, AI readiness, innovation, and future-ready employment; an eGov Caravan that brings digital government services closer to communities through mobile service hubs and demonstrations;and the Bayani sa Last Mile (Heroes on the last mile) Awards that honors individuals and communities advancing digital inclusion of the grassroots level.
“As DICT enters its second decade, it reaffirms its commitment to building a more connected, secure, and inclusive Philippines, where digital transformation is not only about technology, but about people, service, and nation building,” the agency said.
In the age of information, connectivity is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Without connectivity, there would be no access to opportunities and information that is needed in life. Connectivity allows pathways to education, economic opportunities, jobs and government services. This underscores why the role of DICT is important: more than ensuring that the Philippines is interconnected within and with the world, it creates a pathway toward opportunities that could otherwise be reached by those who need it and those deserving of it.
Happy founding anniversary, DICT.