Cordillera RDC pushes digital integration in gov’t

By Marissa M. Cabato

BAGUIOCITY -- The sub-committee on communications of the Cordillera Regional Development Council aims to advance digital integration among regional line agencies and local government units in the region as its banner program for this year.
    It also intends to foster stronger coordination among telecommunications companies and government agencies. These were agreed during its virtual meeting presided by committee chair and Dep.t of Information and Communications Technology regional director Rey Parnacio on Feb. 10.
    The committee also agreed to meet quarterly instead of the usual two meetings per year, recognizing that the demand for ICT services is crucial as the region continues to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Jeff Corpuz of Globe Telecom said they have projects supporting the digital inclusivity program in the region such as the Free GoWiFi that aims to provide free connectivity.
    But they have difficulty implementing this because of the long process in getting permits.
    Corpuz urged the committee to help them in approval of permits from local governments so that they can reach more areas.
    The DICT, as lead agency in providing ICT services, reported a total of 320 active sites with four access points per location established in the region.
    A total of 141 sites with three access points per location were also set up in Covid-19 facilities in isolated areas.
    These services are under their Free WiFi for all flagship program which commenced in 2015.
    On their regional government network (Govnet) program which aims to interconnect government agencies in the country, a total of 69 active sites in Baguio City and La Trinidad were established with continuous operations and network maintenance. 
    On the DICT vaccine administration system (DVAS) that supports the national immunization program, 10 local government units have adapted real time reporting system in 11 vaccination sites.
    The DVAS mobile system which provides reporting facility for those who do not have regular internet service, was adapted by 45 LGUs and used in 48 vaccination sites in Cordillera.
    DICT will be conducting trainings the whole year to assist the public in using ICT mediums and platforms.
    The sub-committee on communications is chaired by the DICT.
    It is under the bigger infrastructure development sector committee (InfraCom) of RDC Cordillera.