The Commission on Appointments (CA) has approved Henry Aguda as Secretary of the Department of Information and Technology (DICT).

As Secretary of DICT, among Aguda’s responsibilities include developing policies and standards for DICT, advising the President on the development of information and communications technology, and coordination with local government units, collaborations with the private and public sectors, on initiatives and new policies.

DICT is responsible for fostering the growth and reliability of information and communications technologies. This includes cybersecurity, consumer growth, and developing a digital government.

Aguda was the CEO of UnionDigital Bank, the digital arm of UnionBank. Under his leadership, UnionBank increased their focus on digital transformation and financial inclusion. He also served as UnionBank’s Chief Technology and Transformation Officer.

Some of you might ask, wasn’t Secretary Aguda appointed on March 20 by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr? That is true. However, that only starts the process of being appointed. The nomination or appointee is first deliberated by the Standing Committee. Then, they will submit their recommendations to the CA to approve or reject the nomination or appointee.

This is done with the intention to act as a check on the President’s power, where the CA ensures whoever the President has appointed is qualified for the role.

Among Aguda’s initiatives is building transparency in the government, citing that it’s a critical step in building public trust. In an article posted in the DICT website, Aguda said it is a right to know what’s “under the foot of every government agency” and aims to deliver a “fast and clean” e-service by the government.

Aguda has also mentioned that the growth of the digital economy is a priority. He aims to build a stronger digital economy and with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor, to prepare jobs by the time people in school graduate.