DICT Secretary De Claro to prioritize budget review on first day

Newly appointed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph De Claro is prioritizing a review of the agency’s budget, alongside stronger cybersecurity measures, improved public Wi-Fi connectivity, and the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework as he begins his leadership of the department.

In an interview with DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, De Claro said his immediate task is to assess the department’s financial standing, including its existing obligations and expenditures, to ensure that operations remain in order.

“So like ‘yan today naghahanda na ako papunta sa opisina. And uh so in any in any new post we need to check first yung yung status ng ating mga ng ating budget, ang ating gastusin and to make sure that everything is in order, bayaran ng dapat bayaran,” De Claro said.

He also said he would prepare for the DICT’s budget deliberations at the Senate, noting that the process has yet to be completed.

Beyond the department’s finances, De Claro identified improving public Wi-Fi connectivity as one of the priorities discussed during his meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“‘yung Wi-Fi connectivity I think is still a priority na kailangan mas papaigi natin ang ah ang koneksyon ng ah sa ating ah Wi-Fi sites ‘no?” he said.

The new DICT chief also raised concerns over online violent extremism (NVE), describing it as a “clear and present danger” that requires stronger cybersecurity capabilities.

“The other one is ah itong ah I call it the clear and present danger itong ah NVE and uh that’s where we really need to uh strengthen ‘yung ating cyber security,” De Claro said.

Meanwhile, De Claro said the development of an AI governance framework would be among his priorities over the next two to three months.

He emphasized that the Philippines still has an opportunity to catch up with other countries in adopting emerging technologies despite challenges in the early stages of AI development.

“Alam mo naman sa technology we can leapfrog it,” he said.

“So kung nahuli man tayo sa simula sa AI, Pwede humabol. makakahabol pa tayo,” he added.

The proposed framework could help establish policies governing AI development and adoption, although De Claro did not provide specific details on its scope.

De Claro said these priorities would guide his initial assessment of the DICT alongside the department’s day-to-day operations.

De Claro succeeds Henry Aguda, whose resignation was confirmed by President Marcos earlier this month.

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Malacañang announces De Claro as new DICT secretary