The Sub-committee on Communications of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) aims to advance digital integration among regional line agencies and the local government units in the region as its banner program for this year. It also intends to foster stronger coordination among telecommunications companies and government agencies. These were agreed during its virtual meeting presided by Committee Chair and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Director Rey Parnacio on February 10, 2022.
The committee also agreed to meet quarterly instead of the usual two meetings per year, recognizing that the demand for ICT services is crucial as the region continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Jeff Corpuz of Globe Telecom shared that they have projects supporting the digital inclusivity program in the region such as the Free GoWiFi that aims to provide free connectivity, however, they have difficulty in implementing this because of the long permitting process. Mr. Corpuz asked the committee to help them in the approval of permits at the local governments so that they can reach more areas, and this was responded to positively.
The DICT, as the lead agency in providing ICT services, reported that a total of 320 active sites with four access points per location are already established in the region. A total of 141 sites with three access points per location are also established in COVID-19 facilities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). These services are under their Free WiFi for All flagship program which commenced in 2015.
On their Regional Government Network (Govnet) program which aims to interconnect government agencies in the country, a total of 69 active sites in Baguio City and La Trinidad are established with continuous operations and network maintenance.
On the DICT Vaccine Administration System (DVAS) that supports the National Immunization Program, ten LGUs have already adopted the real time reporting system in 11 bakuna sites. The DVAS Mobile system which provides reporting facility for those who do not have regular internet service, has been adopted by 45 LGUs and is being used in 48 bakuna sites in the region.
DICT will be conducting trainings the whole year to assist the public in maximizing and navigating the various ICT medium and platforms.
The Sub-committee on Communications is chaired by the DICT. It is under the bigger infrastructure development sector committee (InfraCom) of the RDC-CAR. **By Marissa M. Cabato, DRD
