DICT Secretary de Claro vows cheaper, faster internet as he formally takes office

• Courtesy of DICT

Newly appointed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro has pledged to prioritize faster, more affordable, and reliable internet services for Filipinos as he formally assumed leadership of the agency on Monday, October 19.

De Claro officially took over the department following a turnover ceremony with outgoing DICT Secretary Henry Aguda at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City.

During his first flag ceremony, de Claro emphasized the need to improve internet affordability and telecommunications services, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen connectivity nationwide.

“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natin mapababa ang presyo ng internet, mapa-improve ang serbisyo ng telco sa ating mamamayan. The Filipinos deserve better service, dapat masulit ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng ating mamamayan sa internet,” de Claro said.

Courtesy of DICT

To deliver on this commitment, the new DICT Secretary stressed the importance of reducing bureaucratic requirements and streamlining the licensing process for internet service providers (ISPs).

The proposed measures aim to address regulatory hurdles affecting telecommunications services while ensuring that consumers receive the quality of internet connectivity they pay for.

Beyond improving connectivity, de Claro outlined his vision of transforming the DICT into a “lighthouse” for technology-related government services.

Under this approach, the department would guide national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in adopting digital technologies to make public services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to Filipinos.

He also underscored the need for organizational reforms within the DICT to strengthen its operations and improve the implementation of its mandate.

The leadership transition comes as the government continues its efforts to expand digital infrastructure, improve telecommunications services, and accelerate the digitalization of public services.

Under de Claro’s leadership, the DICT and its attached agencies are expected to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening nationwide connectivity, improving digital government services, and promoting digital inclusion.

The department said these efforts would support its broader goal of ensuring that more Filipinos benefit from technology and the country’s ongoing digital transformation.