General articles are free for 24 hours after publish.
DICT Eyes P18 Billion Budget for 2027 Digital Push
The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking an P18-billion budget for 2027 to bolster digital services, including e-government infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI. The agency proposes P2.7 billion for e-government initiatives, projecting P40 billion in annual savings through system integration. Free internet access for public schools has already surpassed 99% coverage, with a goal to connect all schools.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking a budget of P18 billion for 2027 to expand digital services and connectivity programs, including e-government infrastructure, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The agency has proposed P2.7 billion for e-government programs covering cloud hosting, cybersecurity and system integration for the eGov app. DICT said integrating government services and removing duplicate systems could generate as much as P40 billion in annual savings. ICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said the agency is also expanding free internet access for public schools, with coverage already exceeding 99%. DICT aims to connect all public schools before the government’s 2028 deadline, using satellite links to reach remote sites. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
Original source
BusinessWorld Nation