Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda has made a strong commitment to secure greater recognition and enhanced support for government ICT professionals—pivotal players in advancing the digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Speaking to government Chief Information Officers, officials from various agencies, and ICT employees at the recent Program Convergence Budgeting for Public Financial Management Systems and Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative Steering Committee Strategic Planning, Sec. Aguda vowed to prioritize the passage of the long-awaited Magna Carta for IT Professionals. This key legislative bill seeks to boost compensation, benefits, and professional recognition for the dedicated ICT workforce.
“Ito naman ang commitment ko sa inyo: if you help me, help the DICT–all the way and as quickly as possible in your respective agencies– I will work tirelessly to get the Magna Carta for IT Professionals passed,” Sec. Aguda declared.
The ICT chief stressed that investing in the people behind digital transformation is crucial to the Marcos administration’s efforts to enhance government efficiency and improve public service delivery.
“A lot of people have this misconception that transformation is largely about technology. It is not. Technology is an enabler, it is a tool–say 10% technology, 10% processes, but 80% of it is people,” Sec. Aguda said.
“If digital is the future and information is the new oil, then we need the Magna Carta,” he added.
This pledge is aligned with Sec. Aguda’s “D-I-C-T” vision, which focuses on driving a Digital-first economy, fostering Inclusive technology for all, Championing data privacy and protection, and promoting Transparency in governance. Central to the realization of these goals is the Secretary’s call for “digital bayanihan,” a collaborative effort between the DICT and various stakeholders to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s digital revolution. (DICT)
