June Is Philippine National ICT Month

Presidential Proclamation No. 1521 dated 28 May 2008 sets the month of June 2008 and every year thereafter as National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month. The proclamation recognizes ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and commits to implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of the technology.

The conduct of the National ICT Month has been placed under the auspices of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) who shall spearhead the observance of the National ICT Month from June 1 - 30, 2010. All heads of departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, including officials of the local governments, are hereby called upon to coordinate with the CICT to implement the plans, programs and activities in celebrating the National ICT Month 2010 (NIM 2010).

The general objectives of the month-long event are as follows:

1. Promote, enhance, and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of ICT to the different sectors of society; and
2. Provide and showcase opportunities for Filipinos to learn and use ICT

In recognition of the significant impact of ICT in the economy and national development, CICT declared that the overall theme of the National ICT Month 2010 shall be: "Get ONLINE, Philippines!". The commission's National ICT Month (NIM) Steering Committee shall oversee and coordinate the implementation of the various activities and programs to be undertaken during the month-long celebration. The Chairman of the NIM Steering Committee shall, whenever necessary, issue additional guidelines for the successful conduct of the event.

The month-long celebration shall be kicked-off by the Get ONLINE Philippines! Ceremony at a schedule to be announced on the CICT website and in newspaper supplements. Lined up during the month may include industry and stakeholder symposia, orientations and webinars for various sectoral groups, training and educational programs, visits at Community eCenters offering ICT services and information, advocacy and information dissemination, free Internet use and access to online data on health, agriculture, education, and job opportunities, and similar activities to promote ICT use throughout the country.