On its third year anniversary, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr., promised the young Department’s continuous delivery of concrete outputs geared towards sustained development of the ICT sector.
According to a recent press release, the DICT envisions several programs for the underserved.
ICT programs in the pipeline
These programs include bolstered ICT infostructure, strengthened policy reforms and industry linkages, far-reaching ICT-enabled programs as well as advanced initiatives like the Automated Election System.
During the opening ceremony of the National ICT Month 2019 kick-off event, the Department presented a roadmap towards digital transformation
The presentation started with the delivery of the Department’s priority initiatives, which include the facilitation of the New Major Player’s operation by the first quarter of 2020.
The completion and operation of the ultra-high speed information highway, via the government-owned international cable landing stations and through the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, was also mentioned.
The Department’s Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management and Special Concerns shared that the entry of the third telco is just one aspect of DICT’s number of accomplishments in the past three years.
He added that this is more than technology. They are looking at how these technologies make government services felt by every Filipino, thereby changing lives for the better.
Hundreds of people flocked to the National ICT Month kick-off program to participate in the parallel activities that featured a forum on innovative technologies, an exhibit of the ICT landscape, and the Kalasag Esports Tournament.
Looking into Esports in the Philippines
As reported, the Department showed its support to the Philippine Esports scene by hosting the first-ever Kalasag Esports Tournament.
The tournament was held as a launching pad for the Department’s review of the support and possible policymaking avenues that would further legitimise Esports in the country and guarantee that the Philippines could take full advantage of the growing industry.
In 2018, the Esports industry is projected to generate US$ 905 million in revenue, reaching over US$ 1 billion over the next two years.
At the end of the three-day competition, a team composed of Quezon City Government employees, ruled the 31-team fielded from different national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) as they emerged as the Kalasag first-ever champions.
Boosting the country’s gaming industry
The event was designed to engage people in discussions on responsible gaming as well as gather insights on policy considerations in the sector.
It is the Department’s proactive stance in supporting the industry and promoting a better culture of gaming in the country.
Furthermore, the DICT worked together with various Esports organisations, including those involved with the competition in the upcoming South East Asian Games to be held in the country.
The advent of professional Esports teams, the rising market demand, and the potential of Filipinos in excelling at online and video games are some of the reasons why the time is ripe for Esports to be classified as a professional game in the country.
The event is not all about Esports but also more of game development and ICT infostructure support to the gaming industry.