The Committee on Development Administration and Communication (CODAC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC2) discussed several digitalization initiatives such as the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill and E-Governance Bill, and the conduct of the e-Governance Forum during its Second Quarter Meeting held on May 14, 2024 in Tuguegarao City.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, previously known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, proposes various reforms in the telecommunications sector. These reforms aim to streamline procedures for the market entry of telecommunication companies, enhance access to facilities, optimize the use of radio spectrum resources, mandate infrastructure sharing, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms in the sector.

Atty. Carlo Agdamag, Technical Consultant of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), stated that the Bill aims to address the poor network connectivity and digital divide experienced in urban and rural areas caused by geographical constraints, level the playing field in the market, and provide adequate regulatory framework in the telecommunications sector. “Digital connectivity is at the heart of sustaining the Philippines’ continued economic development and social progress. Konektadong Pinoy reflects a broader set of provisions to extend better and more accessible internet services to everyone, introduce more competition in the market, and offer better and affordable prices,” Agdamag said.

CODAC also pushed for the E-Governance Bill which adopts a policy to create and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that will provide secure, responsive, and transparent online citizen-centered services. Key features of the Bill include establishing a Chief Information Officer in every government agency, formulating an E-Government Master Plan, creating an E-Governance Unified Project Management Office to address portfolio and project management needs of government agencies and a Philippine Infrastructure Management Corporation to manage Information and communications technology (ICT) assets of the government, and developing e-government programs to be led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

To share knowledge and promote the adoption and replication of best practices in ICT application in government processes, the Committee approved the conduct of a Regional E-Governance Forum. Topics will focus on the government’s thrusts and priority programs on e-governance, digital transformation initiatives of national government agencies and local government units, and the emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and foster digital economy. The Forum will be one of the major activities during the RDC Week in September.