Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Robert Joseph M. de Claro pledged to push for lower Internet prices, better telecommunications services, and faster licensing for Internet service providers as he assumed office on Monday, Oct. 19.
De Claro took over from outgoing secretary Henry Aguda during a turnover ceremony at the DICT headquarters in Quezon City.
In his first flag ceremony as secretary, de Claro said he wanted the DICT to serve as a “lighthouse” for technology-related services, guiding government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations in using technology to improve public service delivery.
He also cited organizational changes as necessary to strengthen the department’s operations.
Lowering Internet costs and improving telecommunications services are among his priorities, in line with Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve connectivity nationwide.
“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natin mapababa ang presyo ng Internet, mapa-improve ang serbisyo ng telco sa ating mamamayan. The Filipinos deserve better service, dapat masulit ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng ating mamamayan sa Internet,” de Claro said.
He said the department would work to reduce red tape and streamline the licensing process for Internet service providers, while ensuring that consumers receive the quality of service they pay for.
The DICT and its attached agencies are expected to continue implementing connectivity and digital services initiatives under the new leadership.
