Microsoft joins DICT in Empowering the Filipino Through Digital Transformation at National ICT Summit 2018 in Davao City

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“Empowering the Filipino through Digital Transformation”. That is the theme of this year’s National Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT) Summit held in Davao City. The summit is the culminating event of a month long celebration of ICT in the Philippines.

Since 2008, June of every year has been celebrated as ICT Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008. This is in recognition of the power of ICT as a strategic tool in governance, in delivering government services, and in driving economic growth.

The National ICT Summit was well attended, with over 500 government executives, ICT managers and practitioners, local government officials, academics, the private sector, students, and ICT industry players participating in the event.

Gracing the event was none other than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who was guest of honor and speaker at the two-day summit.”

President Rodrigo R. Duterte with the delegates of the NICT Summit 2018. In the photo are keynote speakers from Microsoft Philippines, Joanna Rodriguez, Public Sector Director and Atty. Raul Cortez, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Director. (Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)

A faster and more efficient Government

In today’s digital world, it’s clear how huge ICT’s role is in the development of government services. Throughout the entire month of June, the DICT showcased projects that harnessed ICT to improve the efficiency of government processes that positively impact the Filipino public. From seminars, conferences, fora, focus group discussions, to technical trainings, there was no shortage of activities that presented and discussed emerging ICT technologies, products, services and new paradigms.

At the summit, the DICT showcased how ICT transforms the way government flagship and mission-critical projects such as the bold "Build, Build, Build" Program and the "Ambisyon Nation 2040" are efficiently implemented, monitored and managed.

To empower the Filipino, the government is looking to ICT to improve access to accurate information and develop more efficient services. This is through complementing government ICT plans, programs, policies, guidelines and standards affecting processes and the delivery of information and services to the people.

Digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI

Also present at the National ICT summit was Microsoft, a digital transformation leader who presented global best ICT practices, emerging technology solutions, tools and paradigms that will allow the Philippines to leap-frog development stages.

In a keynote presentation, Microsoft Philippines discussed the economic impact of digital transformation, the hidden costs of cybersecurity, the future that is artificial intelligence, as well as the value of ICT in the development of the country. 

“ICT remains a core component in the transformation and development of the Philippines. As the world moves toward a more digital way of life, so must our country. Technology is the great equalizer, and the key towards reaching our full potential,” said Christian Lim, Country COO - Microsoft Philippines.

As the country embraces digital technologies, Microsoft urged attendees to be vigilant and reminded them of the value of cybersecurity -- in terms of economic loss and loss of trust. Similar to the Comelec breach in 2016, breaches can come from anywhere, so it is extremely important the government’s data is secure.

Moreover, AI is a technology that is becoming more pervasive and can be a big contributor to the Philippines’ digital transformation. In particular, Microsoft highlighted conversational AI, such as chatbots, and how it is already making waves around the world. In fact, AI is already being utilized to serve local communities in other Asian nations like China and Japan.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio testing the virtual reality features of the Hololens as showcased by Ellinov, a Microsoft partner. Microsoft Philippines leadership team was present as well to welcome the Mayor. (Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)

“Microsoft is all about empowering people and organizations with technology. So it goes without saying that we are staunch supporters of the administration and the DICT’s mission to empower Filipinos through digital transformation,” said Lim. “Through the digital transformation of our government processes, we don’t just address operational inefficiencies, but create meaningful economic impact as well, leading to further development of the Philippines.” 

DTI order to bloat cement prices, put construction industry in jeopardy

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With its imposition of a burdensome requirements on pure importers of cement , the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in a collision course with President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to reduce bureaucratic red tape to ease the process of doing business in the country. 

Making matters worse, the DTI imposition will jeopardize the massive infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration's Build, Build, Build program through high construction cost by bringing prices of cement to stratospheric heights. 

The President made the vow in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2016 and repeated it in his second SONA on Monday, July 24, 2017. 

"A year ago, I also warned government officials and employees that I will never tolerate corruption in my administration, not even a whiff of it. Let the dismissal of several high-ranking officials — whom I myself appointed — serve as a warning to all that I will never back down on my commitment to cleanse this government," Duterte said in his second SONA to the applausse of the audience. 

Duterte is aware that corruption is still happening. "Since we launched this hotline (8888), we have received numerous complaints from the public on government… slow government processing and clearance, of changing procedures and requirements, centralized issuance of clearances and permits in Metro Manila, and discourteous government employees, among others," Duterte said in his second SONA. 

Also, speaking before an investment forum in Davao City recently, he said: “I would like to destroy government itself.... If I had my way, I would reinvent (it). We can have less powers but more efficient organization...If there’s an ideal setup that we can follow, I’d be glad to put in place something of a bureaucratic authority that would move by itself automatically...” 

The President also bared plans to summon officials facing complaints from the public. If proven they have committed irregularities, Duterte said, he would ask them to resign or else he would fire them. He said he was ready to give them another chance but they have to “kneel down” before the public and vow to improve their service. 

In an earlier speech, Duterte had said: 

"The fight (against corruption) will be relentless and it will be sustained... I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency shall be accepted as sufficient for all...(They should) refrain from changing and bending rules, government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation... Changing the rules when the game is ongoing is wrong.” 

But according to industry sources, those in the DTI have turned a deaf ear to the President's resolve to cut red tape in government as they have issued an order that imposes an additional burden on small cement importers. This, it is feared, could only lead to the emergence of a cartel composed of giant cement manufacturers-importers who reportedly want to bring back cement prices to the P300 per bag level in 2015 from its present price of about P197 per bag. 

While requesting anonymity, industry sources have welcomed the filing of a graft and corruption complaint against a DTI undersecretary before the Office of the Ombudsman for the official’s role in having the DTI’s Bureau of Philippines Standards issue Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-02/05. At the same time, the source said that a separate case is being prepared against another DTI official for approving the highly controversial order without going through proper public consultation. He also claims that the rush to cure the flawed order is being kept under wraps by the DTI. 

The controversial DAO requires importers to secure an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) on top of the 'PS' or Philippine Standard mark for imported cement. The DAO, however, exempts from the ICC requirement the big cement manufacturers operating integrated cement plants in the country but also importing cement. 

Several reasons have been cited why the DAO 17-02 and subsequent DAOs should be suspended or totally revoked. 

"The DTI order creates an environment which could threaten the stability of the cement prices in the market as the DAO 17-02/05 is a surefire formula for prices to spike uncontrollably and for supply to be manipulated,” said a source in the construction sector. 

The source pointed out that in 2014, the cement price was around P300; when importers entered the picture, the price immediately fell to around P217; currently, the price hovers at around P197. 

This, the insider said, "offers solid proof that open competition augurs well for the public." 

“If DAO 17-02/05 was intended to protect the public by ensuring the quality of the imported cement, the industry group wondered why both manufacturers-importers and small importers get their cement from the same plant abroad: So how could there be any difference in quality?” he asked. 

“At the same time, if quality is the issue as announced by the DTI official recently in defending the order, why are the big manufacturers-importers trying to negotiate with cement plants abroad so they can exclusively sell cement in the Philippine market, thus removing the pure importers from the equation?” he added. 

The DTI order could actually set back the implementation of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure development program of the Duterte administration as cement supply from local manufacturers may not be sufficient to meet the expected big demand for the commodity, the industry source said. 

The insider lamented that the DTI "wittingly or unwittingly strengthens the stranglehold by a few giant cement manufacturers-importers that have been acting as a de facto cartel to dictate cement prices in the domestic market." 

Prior to the implementation of DAO 17-02, the release of covered imported cement was allowed by mere presentation of the PS mark. An ICC was not required, whether the cement importer operated or did not operate an integrated cement plant in the country. 

The DTI order, the source added, is "arbitrary and capricious as this was issued without any proper public consultation." 

Moreover, the insider said that if this DAO is implemented, "the highly ambitious P9 trillion Build, Build, Build infrastructure program will be the first to feel the impact with skyrocketing cement prices and manipulated supply. At the same time, the public is expected to bear the brunt of such protectionist move." 

As this develops, the construction sector is starting to express unease over the order as such move will surely escalate prices and will throw their signed contracts in disarray.

Heart of Kapitan for the country's heroes - Puso ni KAP para sa AFP at PNP

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PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan is granting special privileges for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in recognition of their sacrifices for the country.

Dr. Tan is granting 40 kilos free baggage allowance to AFP and PNP personnel in active service traveling on all PAL domestic routes on official or personal capacity. 

PAL continues to support the PH troops amid the Marawi crisis by granting special privileges to AFP and PNP personnel. Earlier this month, PAL chairman Dr. Lucio Tan has also personally turned over a P2 million check donation to support the country’s soldiers.

Military personnel are required to present their valid identification card upon check in at the airport. Baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance of 40 kilos shall be assessed the applicable excess baggage rates. 

This grant, which is applicable across all fare brands, shall be valid only for travel until 31 December 2017.

“My heart goes out to our country's heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives in the battlefield and to all those who continue fighting to save Marawi and other critical areas. You deserve the country's highest honor,”stressed Chairman Tan.

In addition, a 20% discount on ALL regular domestic fare brands (except budget economy fare brands) is also being provided to all active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for any type of travel – official or personal. AFP and PNP personnel must present a valid ID card upon ticketing.

On July 25, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte will be honoring fallen soldiers of Marawi in Malacanang Palace with the family members of deceased soldiers as special guests.

PAL is extending two free domestic tickets to Manila for each family attending the said event called “Salamat Magigiting na Mandirigma, Go Negosyo Kapatid from Marawi Financial Assistance to the Families of Fallen Heroes”. 

Earlier, the flag carrier donated two million pesos to the AFP for the soldiers who are fighting or have fought in Marawi. 

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation – the corporate social responsibility arm of the LT Group as well as the PAL foundation are carrying out donation drives and humanitarian cargo grants, respectively, for those affected by the Marawi situation.