THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is working on equipping electronics professionals, especially engineers, to become globally competitive.
This was stressed by DICT Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlong, who is in-charge of cybersecurity and enabling technologies, during his visit for the 67th Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) National Midyear Convention held at L ‘Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City from May 25 to 27.
He said empowered electronics professionals are vital in sustaining strong telecommunication and broadcasting industries, which are under the ambit of the agency.
Cabanlong said the agency has been supporting initiatives related to ICT development either through IECEP or other organizations.
"We need to build capability by sharing what we have in Manila to the countryside including Negros," he said, adding that among the agency's measures aimed at helping the future of Philippine ICT include the implementation of National Broadband Plan and free wi-fi projects.
The slow internet connectivity in the country was among the industry concerns raised during the event.
Cabanlong, also the director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, said it is one of the major challenges which the DICT is looking solve.
In March, the agency conducted the Telecommunications Summit in Manila attended by local telecommunications companies (telcos) which underscored the pressing need to have faster internet connectivity.
"DICT is really doing its best to also provide faster services to telcos," Cabanlong said, pointing out that efficiency of the operations of these companies is also vulnerable to availability of “highways.”
The problems in permitting, specifically the huge number of permits required, may limit the availability of cell sites or “highway” in an area thus, connection services are also slow, he said.
“The local government units should work on providing solutions to the permitting problems, they should also push for faster connections,” Cabanlong said, adding that the country is open to more telco players which will result to better and cheaper cost of services.
Themed “Enhancing Capability of Globally Competitive Electronics Professionals,” the event was attended by at least 600 electronics professionals around the country.
It included discussions on digital radio communication system, internet-of-things and its testing technologies, and bill of quantities for electronics auxiliary system.