The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines signed this week a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to develop and implement infrastructure projects in the ICT sector.

The MOA will fast-track ICT projects and provide a framework for collaboration in terms of project assistance, capacity building, and formulation of PPP policies and guidelines for ICT.

“Bridging the digital divide requires collective effort," remarked DICT Secretary John Ivan E. Uy.

"But we need not take the digital transformation journey alone. Joining forces, we will deploy services that will create more opportunities for Filipinos, to ensure that no one gets left behind.”

Currently, the PPP Center supports the DICT in reviewing project concept notes and proposals, including the Fiber-Enabled Free Public Internet Access Project; Design, Build and Operate of an underground fiber optic conduit network at the Philippine National Railway’s (PNR) 600-km Right of Way (ROW) from San Fernando La Union to Sorsogon.

The two agencies are likewise reviewing the Regional Ring to provide Government Network access in all Government Agencies and Public Places for Marinduque and Ilocos Norte.

“The DICT will also assist implementing agencies developing IT projects and help them evaluate unsolicited proposals,” according to PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez.