SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session )
SENA 18 AUG -6 P4200
Sno LOL6 4
R 7 ¢
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe _
AN ACT

ACCELERATING THE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS, E-COMMERCE, AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO
THE COUNTRYSIDE BY ESTABLISHING ICT CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN
ALL REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Explanatory Note

Way back in 1960, the visionary communications theorist Marshall Mcluhan argued
that “electric media” would radically change our lives. It would change our
relationship with print media, extend our senses, and most importantly convert the
world into a global village. Geographical, cultural, and economic divides would be
conquered by new technology.

Mr. Mcluhan made these predictions when such technology was only at a
rudimentary stage. Only now are we grasping the power of his words. True enough,
what we now know as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has
become an inseparable part of our lives, connecting communities, businesses and
families,

One developing field in the study and application of ICT is its utilization for poverty
reduction. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)', ICT is “...the missing
link” in poverty reduction efforts in Asia:

“There are parts of our world where nothing reaches people: there may not be
physical connectivity to communities due to the absence of roads, for example. In
other cases, the distances could be cultural, gender-related, or due to a lack of
access to services. ICT can help bridge those gaps and close distances.”2

The ADB gives several examples of how ICT has been used in poverty reduction
efforts. In Samoa, ICT helped provide access to quality education through computer
training and the Internet. In the Greater Mekong Subregion, ICT-based learning
materials, radio, and GIS mapping technology were used to reach remote ethnic

* https://www.adb.org/features/missing-link-development-focus-ict
ibid.



communities where the incidence of HIV infection was high. ICT has also helped
Asian farmers get access to rice knowledge banks.

We should also start to use ICT as a tool for poverty reduction. The first step is to
hasten awareness and adoption of ICT as a tool for governance. On the national
level, Republic Act No. 10844, or the "Department of Information and
Communications Technology Act of 2015” is a major component. The next step-
which this measure proposes- is to increase the role of ICT in local governance.

Under this measure, there shall be established regional centers of excellence,
hereafter referred to as “Centers” for ICT in all provinces of the Philippines. These
centers shall be under the direct supervision of the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT). These centers shall perform the following
powers and functions:

a) Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology in the
Provinces;

b) Assist in the formulation of national and regional ICT Policies, programs and
Projects plans in collaboration with local ICT councils and other stakeholders;

c) Implement DICT programs/projects on the delivery of science and technology
services such as technology demonstration and transfer, science and
technology promotion and information dissemination, and such other areas of
concern that will benefit the people in the provinces; and

d) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments,
local government units, academe and nongovernmental offices for the
effective implementation of science and technology programs in the
Provinces,

This bill also proposes for the recognition of “smart” cities or municipalities through a
“Smart City or Municipality” awards wherein outstanding Cities and Municipalities
who actively utilize ICT in improving the lives of their constituents will be recognized
as a “Smart City or Municipality” by the DICT.

‘Speedy approval of this measure is eagerly sought.

he



SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session ) 18 AUS -6 P4xn0
B-6 Pay
SENA
s.B.No, 1016

a

Introduced by Senator Grace Poe

AN ACT
ACCELERATING THE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS, E-COMMERCE, AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO
THE COUNTRYSIDE BY ESTABLISHING ICT CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN
ALL REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Information and
Communications Technology Transfer Acceleration Act of 2018”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy.- The State recognizes the vital role of
information and communications technology (ICT) in nation-building and shall
ensure the emergence of ICT structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the
nation. It is thus declared the policy of the State to accelerate the transfer of
modern ICT and its benefits to the rest of the country, particularly to the rural areas,
so that it may be employed for the purposes of higher productivity, increased
earning power, and an improved quality of life.

Sec. 3. Establishment of Provincial ICT Centers. There shall be established,
under the direct supervision of the Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT), regional centers of ICT excellence, hereafter referred to as
“Centers” in all provinces of the Philippines. Whenever practicable, such centers shall
be established in state colleges or universities specializing in ICT-related courses or
in LGUs which are known to actively use ICT in governance.



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Sec. 4. Powers and Functions. The centers shall be extensions of the DICT.
They shall perform the following powers and functions:

) Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology in the
provinces;
f) Assist in the formulation of national and regional ICT policies, programs and

Projects plans in collaboration with local ICT councils and other stakeholders;

g) Implement DICT programs/projects on the delivery of science and technology
services such as technology demonstration and transfer, science and
technology promotion and information dissemination, and such other areas of
concern that will benefit the people in the provinces; and

h) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments,
local government units, academe and nongovernmental offices for the
effective implementation of science and technology programs in the

Provinces.

Sec. 5. Linkages with SUCs.- The Secretary of the DICT is hereby authorized
to enter into agreements with the heads of the colleges or universities or the Chief
Executives of LGUs designated as centers, which may include matters of reporting
and payment of honoraria to members of their faculty and staff.

Sec. 6. Recognition of Smart Cities and Municipalities. - There shall be
established a “Smart City or Municipality” awards wherein outstanding Cities and
Municipalities who actively utilize ICT in improving the lives of their constituents will
be recognized as a “Smart City or Municipality” by the DICT. The Centers shall
identify and nominate the LGUs who shall be awarded by DICT based on criteria to
be issued through rules and regulations.

Sec. 7. Appropriations.- The amount needed for the operation and
maintenance of the Authority shall be included in the budget of the DICT under the
annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 8. Jmplementing Rules and Regulations. The DICT, in coordination with
other government agencies concerned, shall issue rules and regulations to effectively
implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from this Act’s
effectivity.



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Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. All decrees, laws, executive orders, proclamations
and administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are likewise repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause.- If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,