Newly installed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph M. de Claro is moving to execute an organizational revamp to strengthen the department’s operations, expand digital connectivity and lower internet costs nationwide.
Upon officially assuming leadership of the DICT, De Claro outlined his vision of transforming the agency into a “lighthouse” for technology-driven public services, intended to guide national agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in harnessing digital tools to make public services more accessible and responsive.
He stressed that structural and organizational reforms within the DICT are essential to optimize its mandate and meet the country’s surging demand for digital infrastructure.
Beyond internal agency restructuring, De Claro designated affordable and reliable internet access as a top operational priority, aligning with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve overall telecommunications performance across the country.
“We will not stop until we lower the price of internet services and improve telecommunications services for our people. Filipinos deserve better service; they should get full value for every peso they spend on the internet,” De Claro stated.
To achieve lower prices and better connectivity, the DICT chief called for eliminating bureaucratic red tape and streamlining licensing procedures for internet service providers (ISPs), while establishing stricter oversight to ensure telecom operators deliver contracted bandwidth speeds to consumers.
Under De Claro’s leadership, the DICT and its attached agencies are set to accelerate key initiatives, including the rollout of nationwide broadband infrastructure, expansion of digital government platforms and enhanced consumer protection across the telecommunications sector.