DICT pushes bill boosting benefits for gov’t IT workers

THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing for the passage of the Magna Carta for IT Professionals to boost compensation and other benefits for information technology (IT) workers in the government sector.

In a statement on Thursday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said greater recognition and enhanced support for government IT workers are pivotal in advancing the digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“This key legislative bill seeks to boost compensation, benefits, and professional recognition for the dedicated ICT workforce,” he said.

Aguda made the commitment to prioritize the bill during the Program Convergence Budgeting for Public Financial Management Systems and Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative Steering Committee Strategic Planning at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Building on April 3.

“Ito naman ang commitment ko sa inyo (This is my commitment to you): if you help me, help the DICT –all the way and as quickly as possible in your respective agencies — I will work tirelessly to get the Magna Carta for IT Professionals passed,” he said.

Aguda said investing in people behind digitalization is crucial in enhancing government efficiency and improving public service delivery.

“A lot of people have this misconception that transformation is largely about technology. It is not. Technology is an enabler, it is a tool — say 10 percent technology, 10 percent processes, but 80 percent of it is people,” he said.

The pledge is aligned with his vision to focus on driving a digital-first economy, fostering inclusive technology for all, championing data privacy and protection, and promoting transparency in governance.

“If digital is the future and information is the new oil, then we need the Magna Carta,” Aguda said.

He also reiterated the need for a ‘digital bayanihan’ –a collaboration between the DICT and various stakeholders “to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s digital revolution.” (Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)