Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to streamline the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) process by removing unnecessary requirements.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced that an issuance will be made within the month, allowing government agencies to move directly to budgeting their ISSPs without prior DICT clearance, provided they adhere to other established guidelines and standards. This reform aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for a 'Bagong Pilipinas' characterized by transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

The revamp is in collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other key agencies. The ISSP serves as a medium-term roadmap outlining how agencies plan to leverage information and communications technology to enhance operations, improve public service delivery, and achieve their strategic goals.

Previously, the ISSP process followed the Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative (MITHI), a government-wide program initiated through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2012-01 by the DBM, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the former ICT Office, the DICT's predecessor agency. Although MITHI's operations concluded in 2021 with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-01, it was officially revived through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-01, reestablishing the MITHI Steering Committee's role in guiding harmonized ICT investments across the government.

Aguda emphasized the timeliness of the ISSP process reform as the administration plans a significant investment in technology. "The government's going to spend the biggest amount of money on technology this year, by far, compared to previous years. We only have eight months to go [before the end of the year] -- we need the processes to be efficient and effective," he stated.