Incoming DICT chief Ivan Uy vows to prioritize internet in far-flung areas

Incoming Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Enrile Uy on Thursday said they will prioritize giving internet connectivity to far flung-areas in the country in order for them to access medical services and improve the education system.

Uy said they had several meetings with President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to discuss programs that will be implemented under his administration.

“Yung marching orders po niya to allow connectivity nung mga areas na nasa malalayong lugar at bigyan sila ng access to the technology,” Uy said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

(President Marcos’ marching orders is to allow internet connectivity in far-flung areas and to give them access to technology.)

“Number two, is to allow our education system, to have those types of [internet] connectivity dahil sa pandemya kawawa mga estudyante na nagoonline na walang connection (because of pandemic, those students with no internet connection suffered during online classes),” he explained.

“Number three, dahil also sa pandemya, walang access to medical services yung mga areas na ‘yan at mabibigyan po ng telemedicine, kung maiimplement po ang telemedicine mabibigyan po ng initial na lunas ang areas [na ‘yan],” he furthered.

(Number three, because also of the pandemic those areas do not have access to medical services and they will be given telemedicine will be provided, if telemedicine will be implemented, those areas will be given initial treatment.)

Marcos earlier said he will prioritize the development of digital infrastructure alongside continuing the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said the internet has become a huge part of people’s lives, noting that it is important to improve the digital infrastructure and it is the first thing needed to address.

Another chance to serve

Uy, who was appointed as the Commission on Information Communications Technology (CICT) chairman during the administration of late former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, said he was “shocked and happy” that he was given another chance to serve the government again.

“Natuwa po ako dahil (I am happy because) I was given another chance to serve the government again. Medyo nagulat lang ako (I am shocked). Ito po ay (These are) two presidents on extreme polars, si President Aquino is on one side, President Marcos on the other side,” he said.

“You always here the word you are an Aquino and he is a Marcos, so they are opposite but I was so touched that despite that complete opposite eh nakikita nila (they saw) that I’m a common ground to lead this area, I feel very touched and inspired,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News