ECCP outlines key reforms to boost ICT sector

MANILA, Philippines - The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has identified key reforms it intends to pursue this year to help boost the country’s information and communications technology sector (ICT).

These initiatives include reforms in the country’s National Apprenticeship Program, passage of the bill calling for the establishment of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), implementation of the Data Privacy Act, and improvement in the country’s broadband infrastructure.

“ECCP has tried to convince both Houses of Congress to modify the apprenticeship law, expanding the duration of apprenticeship from six months to two years. The House has approved the apprenticeship reform bill on third reading but it hasn’t moved in the Senate,” the ECCP said.

Reforming the country’s National Apprenticeship Program is seen to help address the country’s soaring unemployment problems.

As far as the DICT is concerned, the ECCP said both Houses of Congress have approved the creation of the department although it has yet to be handed to President Aquino for signing.

The ECCP and other business groups have long been pushing for the creation of a new government body solely focused on developing the country’s ICT.

With the establishment of a DICT, the Philippines is expected to join the over 80 percent of countries worldwide which already have dedicated stand-alone government bodies on ICT.

The ECCP said it would also continue its push for the creation of the Data Privacy Commission and the implementation of the data privacy law.

“Best practices from other countries should be looked into and be adopted if need be,” the chamber said.

Business groups have continued to lament the non-implementation of the Philippines’ first data privacy law which they said remains a “piece of paper” after its passage nearly three years.

The ECCP said there is a need for the implementation of the Data Privacy Act in the Philippines to take full advantage of big data.

Aside from the reforms mentioned, the ECCP said the issue of broadband infrastructure is also a very important area to be addressed this year.