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Posts tagged as “Department of Information and Communications Technology”

DICT announce thatย ‘Free Wi-Fi for All’ is now available in 93 sites in Zamboanga City.

November 22, 2023

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced that the ‘Free Wi-Fi for All’ is now available in 93 sites in Zamboanga City.

DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All, is a Free Public Internet Access Program aims to provide the Filipino people access to opportunities, education, and information, and the ability to participate in the growing digital economy through free Internet in public places nationwide.

To date, DICTS has listed a a total of 2,594 Live Sites where Filipino can use free wifi. You can go here to check the live sites in your area.

DICT’s statement on the hacking and defacing of the House of Representative website

October 16, 2023

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) just release an official statement regarding the defacing of the House of Representative (HoR) website.

This is the full text of DICT’s statement;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirms that a cybersecurity incident involving the House of Representatives (HOR) website occurred on Sunday, 15 October 2023.

The HOR immediately put the website offline to prevent further unauthorized access and reported the incident to the DICT โ€“ Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH).

CERT-PH is conducting an investigation to determine if sensitive data has been exfiltrated by the threat actor.

Recommendations were likewise provided to the HOR IT Team to prevent future security breaches on their website.

The DICT informs the public that the HOR website shall be online soon with its security vulnerabilities already addressed.

The next stages of the investigation on the incident, which include threat actor attribution and case build-up, shall be pursued by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, in coordination with our law enforcement agencies.

The DICT reaffirms its commitment to be an active partner of government agencies as they fulfill the primary responsibility of safeguarding their own ICT systems and infrastructure against cyber threats.

By:

Renato A. Paraiso
Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs
DICT Spokesperson
pio@dict.gov.ph

At the sametime, DICT also release a Tagalog version of their statement.

Yesterday, the website of the House of Representative (HoR) was hacked by the hacker group 3MUSKETEERZ, defacing it with the troll face meme captioned it โ€œYouโ€™ve been hacked. Have a nice Day! Happy April Fullz Kahit October Palang! Fix your website.โ€ and changed its content with the same messaging.

DICT official statement on PhilHealth Ransomware Attack

September 30, 2023

Following the PhilHealth ransomware attack last September 22, 2023, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has released an official statement.

Here’s the full text of DICT’s statement;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Cybersecurity Bureau, proactively responded to address a ransomware attack that targeted the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) last September 22, 2023.

Upon learning of the breach, the DICT Cybersecurity Bureauโ€™s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) went to PhilHealth Head Office and implemented critical security measures which included the disconnection of workstations from the network, prompt coordination with PhilHealth to gauge the extent of the attack, and collection of relevant logs for thorough analysis.

As of September 25, 2023, PhilHealth’s critical web services are only accessible via their IP addresses and currently ongoing comprehensive security scanning. Efforts to restore the functionality of PhilHealthโ€™s DNS server are underway.

The DICT condemns the ransomware attack carried out against PhilHealth in an attempt to illegally access the information of its members. We shall continue to investigate and monitor the acquired logs from PhilHealth’s affected systems. An extensive checklist has been prepared by the DICT to benchmark PhilHealthโ€™s readiness to get their systems online.

The DICT is committed to ensuring the full restoration of security and stability in PhilHealth systems and to safeguarding government systems and infrastructure from malicious cyber threats.

DICT and DFA Launches eVisa Application to Improve Visa Processing for Foreigners

August 26, 2023

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched an eVisa application system, which is expected to improve the visa processing experience for foreigners who wish to visit the Philippines.

The eVisa system was launched on August 24, 2023, at the DFA Office of the Consular Affairs in Pasay City. The launch was led by DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David L. Almirol Jr. and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

โ€œThe eVisa is our clear message to the world that we recognize the benefits of digital technology for efficient and quality public service. With eVisa, we are adapting to the realities of modern travel, transforming the Philippines into a top-of-mind destination for business and leisure.โ€ Undersecretary Almirol said in his speech.

The eVisa system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa to the Philippines online. This eliminates the need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate in person, and it can significantly reduce the time it takes to process a visa application.

The eVisa system will initially be available to Chinese citizens who can submit their Philippine visa requirements online as the eVisa system accommodates the Philippine Consular offices in Xiamen, Shanghai, Macau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Chongqing, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

It is planned to be available for citizens of 15 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The government plans to expand the list of eligible countries in the future.

By offering unparalleled convenience and improved public service delivery, eVisa is expected to facilitate ease of doing business and reinvigorate the countryโ€™s tourism sector. The salient features of the eVisa Application system include:

  1. Improved Efficiency: Allowing applicants to submit their required eVisa documents online from the comfort of their homes eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices. This not only saves time for the applicants but also streamlines the processing for the authorities.
  2. Fast Processing and Decision-Making: Embracing digital transactions and automation can significantly speed up the processing of visa applications.
  3. Secure Online Payments: The eVisa Application system provides secure online payment options, enhancing transparency and minimizing security risks.
  4. User-centric interface: The websiteโ€™s user-friendly interface gives clear instructions, making sure applicants can go through the process easily and confidently.
  5. Real-time updates: Applicants can monitor the status of their application in real-time, reducing uncertainties and concerns.

This project shows the Philippine governmentโ€™s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the visa application process for various international visitors. Further, eVisa is aligned with the global trend where various governments are adopting digital solutions to improve public services and operational efficiency.

The launching of the eVisa Application system is expected to pave the way for an optimized and seamless visa application experience that is poised to set new benchmarks in global best practices.

Other government agencies that took part in the development of the eVisa include the Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration.

Source: DICT

DICT announced that 44,298,445 subscribers registered

March 13, 2023

Department of Information and Communications technology (DICT) just announced that there have been a significant increase in the number of subscribers registering their SIM cards since the implementation of the SIM Registration Act. To date, a total of 44,298,445 subscribers registered their SIM cards, 26.22% of 168,977,773, which is the total number of mobile subscribers subscriber in the country.

Here’s the breakdown of all the registered subscribers;

  • Smart Communications – 22,673,630 registered or 33.35% of their 67,995,734 subscribers subscribers
  • Globe Telecom – 18,280,107 registered or 20.80% of their 87,873,936 subscribers
  • DITO Telecommunity – 3,344,708 registered or 25.52% of their 13,108,103 subscribers.

In their announcement, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy thank the public for their cooperation in the SIM Card registration โ€œThe Department has been actively working with the PTEs to ensure that all SIMs are registered and verified. This initiative is in line with the governmentโ€™s efforts to improve national security and curb the rising incidents of fraudulent activities, including scams and identity theftโ€

DICT Undersecretary and Spokesperson Anna Mae Lamentillo echoed the same sentiments and added the need to create a safe digital environment for everyone, to protect everyone’s personal information from being used in any illegal activity. Lamentillo said “โ€œWe appreciate the publicโ€™s cooperation in complying with the SIM registration process. With only a few weeks left before the April 26 deadline, we urge unregistered citizens to take the necessary steps to comply and to avoid any inconvenience. We assure you that your safety and security are our top priorities,โ€

For those who have not register, you can visit the official link of your respective provider to register your SIM Cards;

DICT welcomes Starlink to the Philippines

February 26, 2023

Two days after Starlink announced it availability in the Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) posted a message on their facebook page welcoming Elon Muskโ€™s Starlink Satellite Internet.

DICT posted;

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) today announced that Starlink of Elon Muskโ€™s SpaceX is now in the Philippines, the first country in Southeast Asia to enjoy its services that promises to provide download speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy said that Starlinkโ€™s entry to the Philippines will be a gamechanger, stressing that Starlink will augment and complement existing broadband capacities, enabling faster broadband speed and better connectivity, particularly in areas where connectivity has been difficult or impossible.
โ€œIn welcoming this new technology that is Starlink, our BroadBand ng Masa can now provide free high-speed internet access to our geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines, ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind,โ€ said Uy.
With its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation, Starlink can improve internet access in unserved and underserved areas in the country.
As of February 2023, Starlink is comprised of over 3,580 operational satellites. But the company aims to have as many as 40,000 satellites to be able to deliver high-speed, low-cost internet to remote regions across the globe.

Starlink is a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX that provides broadband internet using low Earth orbit satellites. Starlink offers a download speed up to 200mbps on a โ‚ฑ2,700.00 per month subscription. The only disadvantage is that Starlink does not provide any subsidy for its hardware, since you need to pay โ‚ฑ29,320, compare to local provider that offers free hardware as long as you have contract commitment.

DICT to launch the sixth Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 this September

September 5, 2021

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to launch the sixth (6th) Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 (PSC 2021) this September.

The event is an annual startup competition started in 2016 which aims to encourage and support Filipinos to create innovative and relevant ICT products and services that may develop into viable business ventures and potentially solve social problems.

โ€œThrough this initiative, we hope to promote the entrepreneurial spirit among Filipinos that will surely help our country advance in the global digital economy,โ€ DICT Secretary Gregorio โ€œGringoโ€ B. Honasan II said.
As part of the Republic Act No. 11337 or the โ€œInnovative Startup Actโ€ which was enacted last 26 April 2019, the Philippine Startup Challenge seeks to aid in strengthening, promoting, and developing the Philippine Startup Ecosystem.

The event also aims to bring together experts in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) from across the country to help establish a network of innovators, foster a culture of entrepreneurship in ICT, and discover the endless opportunities catering to vigorously advance science, technology, and innovation.

This year, the competition will be open for submission of entries that cover software and internet-based innovations and will cater to all startups in the ideation to minimum viable product stage.

Ms. Emmy Lou V. Delfin, Director IV of the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), encourages Filipino professionals and students to participate in the startup competition.

โ€œWe are taking the Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 to the next level as we include another category for Filipino professionals in the competition. Hopefully, with our Bureauโ€™s initiatives, we can support Filipino professionals and students further so they can continue to improve their startup ideas,โ€ Director Delfin said.

The Philippine Startup Challenge will be divided into two (2) categories for professionals and students, with a maximum of four (4) members per team. For the entire duration of the competition, the DICT together with its partner organizations and ICT councils, will be guiding and mentoring the winners in preparation for the next rounds.

This nationwide competition will start from regional pitching competitions where three (3) regional winners will be assessed and chosen by the Regional Selection Committee. Regional winners will then advance to the Semifinal Round, where the top ten (10) teams shall move on to the national competition. The Finals for the professional category is set on the third week of November, with the five (5) winners to receive funding proposals.
The PSC 2021 is to be held in partnership with Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Ignite, QBO, StartUp Village, Spring Valley, Huawei, and Microsoft, among others.

For more information on the sixth (6th) Philippine Startup Challenge 2021, please visit https://dict.gov.ph/philippine-startup-challenge-2021.

Source: @DICTgovph

Prepaid Load are now valid for one year

December 28, 2017

Prepaid load will now have a one year validity from the date it was loaded to your mobile phone, this was announced by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) amends the previous version of NTCโ€™s Memorandum Circular No. 03-07-2009 Guidelines on Prepaid Loads.

The JMC states that prepaid loads, regardless of amount, will have one-year validity, and this will take effect on January 5, 2018. Those prepaid credits purchased for promos and other services with time limits as approved by NTC and DTI, will not be covered by the JMC.

In their official announcement, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said, โ€œWith this circular, President Rodrigo Duterte hopes to give the public a gift this holiday season that everyone can truly benefit from in the coming years,โ€