The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has a new boss.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday, October 13, that Robert Joseph de Claro, president and CEO of the Social Security System (SSS), is the new DICT Secretary. He replaces Henry Aguda, who resigned last week.
So, who is he?
Joined the Social Security Commission in January 2023
Chairs the commission's Information and Technology Collection Committee
Represented the SSS on the board of UnionBank, which Marcos called the country's top digital bank
Chairs the board of Union Digital Bank
Marcos pointed to his strong background in the digital economy as the reason for the pick.
His first promise
De Claro says he'll review all of the DICT's projects, budgets and procurement. "I assure the public that over the next three months, there should be a clear-cut plan," he said.
What about free Wi-Fi?
Good question. According to de Claro, about 12,000 free public Wi-Fi sites have been installed this year, and the goal is 20,000 by the end of the year. He also said internet providers need to help make sure the equipment actually works.
On his predecessor, he said Aguda "did his best to try to find ways and means on how to help provide better technology to the Philippines."
What's next
The SSS hasn't named a new chief yet. And the three-month clock for the DICT plan starts now.
