Philippines wins seat at int'l telecom council

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines won a second four-year term to represent member-states in Asia and Australia at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

 

Placing last in the 2010 elections, the Philippines got the eighth place this year, garnering 115 out of 167 votes. The country will hold a seat in the ITU Council together with China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Thailand, India and Pakistan.

 

“The strong showing of the Philippines in these elections, from the last spot in 2010 to eighth place today, is the result of several months of combined efforts of UNIO (United Nations and International Organizations), the Mission and several overseas posts to ensure that the Philippines will be reelected to this governing body of the ITU,” Philippine Ambassador to the United NAtions in Geneva Cecilia Rebong, said.

 

Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre vowed to recommit to working in the ITU, particularly in using information technology in disaster risk reduction.

 

"Information and communication technology is undeniably one of the most relevant technologies in the world today in building economies and creating opportunities that impact lives by connecting nations, industries and families," Casambre said.

 

A number of 35 other countries will sit on the ITU Council for the 2015-2018 term. The ITU is an international organization for governments and the private sector to cooperate in operating information technology networks and services within the United Nations System.