The Department of Agriculture (DA) joined the celebration of the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month 2024 with the theme, “Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas” on June 10.
On behalf of DA Undersecretary for Administration Allan Umali, who also serves as the Department’s Focal Officer for matters related to digitalization programs, Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) Director Honorio Flameño emphasized the agriculture department’s commitment to partaking in digital transformation efforts.
“Ang pakikiisa natin sa digital transformation ay makikita sa ating patuloy na mga hakbangin na naglalayong gawing moderno ang mga sistema sa agrikultura at pagpapabuti ng kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama-sama ng mga makabagong teknolohiya, napapahusay natin ang pamamahala ng mga datos, pag-streamline ng mga proseso, at pagpapatibay ng transparency at pananagutan sa ating mga serbisyo,” he said.
As such, Director Flameño introduced various ICT initiatives of the Department including the creation of a Digital Agriculture Team under the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the updating of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the establishment of the Agriculture-based Central Data Ecosystem (AbCDE), and the upscaling of the DA’s interventions management platforms and electronic vouchers.
“Ating layunin na maiangat ang sektor ng agri-fisheries sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga makabagong tool at mga teknolohiyang madaling magamit ng ating mga consumer, food producer, at decision-maker. Sa ating pagsisimula ng isang buwang pagdiriwang, pagtibayin nating muli ang ating dedikasyon sa pagbuo ng isang bayang digital kung saan ang mga digital na solusyon ay nagtutulak ng pag-unlad sa bawat sektor,” the ICTS Director encouraged.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008, the annual celebration of the National ICT Month recognizes the vital role of ICT as a major driver for economic development and national transformation and thus aims to harmonize all ICT-related efforts by the government and the private sector into being inclusive, private sector-led, market-based, and government-enabled.
Led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), this year’s event “envision[s] a Philippines where digital connectivity unites us all, where government services are streamlined through technology, where cyber safety is prioritized, and where innovation and growth opportunities abound for every citizen.”
The National ICT Month 2024 is divided into four weeks:
● the launch week revolved around “Bayang Digital,” which highlights the importance of transforming the Philippines into a digitalized nation;
● the second week concentrates on “Pilipinong Konektado,” which promotes digital connectivity and capacitating Filipinos to be able to adapt and compete in the digital economy;
● the third week will focus on “Gobyerong Epektibo,” which urges digital transformation within the government sector to steer societal change in the country; and
● The fourth and final week will center on “Kinabukasang Progresibo,” which advocates for an inclusive national ICT development in the Philippines and fosters collaborations between the government and the people.
For its part, the DA will be launching a series of activities this whole month of June including an exhibition of agricultural technologies and innovations at the DA Central Office Main Lobby, the conduct of ICT-related training sessions, and the launching of the RSBSA Profiling Platform in celebration of the National ICT Month. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
