DOST launches Smarter Philippines ICT Program

The Department of Science and Technology's (DOST's) Smarter Philippines Program —an umbrella project that would integrate and develop different government  information and communications technology (ICT) projects— was launched recently at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. 

 

With this project, the DOST aims to leverage science, technology, and ICT as a means of accelerating the country’s development. “At its core, ‘Smarter Philippines’ is a mind-set—a conscious effort, a passion if you will— of continually finding better ways of doing things, a smarter way,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said. 

 

The program consists of several components: Smarter Government, Smarter People, Smarter Economy, Smarter Mobility, Smarter Environment, Smarter Living and Smarter Cities. Four banner projects under these components, Project Noah, DREAM-LiDAR, iGovPhil, and Telehealth, were showcased to illustrate the potential of this program and how it can create “smarter” solutions to common problems.

 

Mr Reed Aeschliman, Deputy Mission Director of the United States Agency for International development (USAID) and one of the partners of the project adds that Filipinos won’t even need to have a computer or smartphone to experience the effect of the Smarter Philippines Program. The improved efficiency of government services due to ICT would be felt throughout the Philippines, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

 

The information and Communications Technology of the DOST will serve as the keystone player in this program. Although there’s no budget currently in place for most of the projects planned but he hopes that with the launch, more ideas and opportunities would present themselves to eventually realize the program’s vision. “What we’re launching right now is just a frame work,” say Sec. Montejo. He also says that efforts to improve connectivity and internet access in the rural areas are currently underway in preparation for full implementation of future Smarter Philippines projects. — TJD, GMA News