Digital Pinoys extends its sincere gratitude to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda for his service and contributions to advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Throughout our engagement with the DICT, we have recognized the importance of leadership that is willing to take a firm stand on issues affecting Filipino digital consumers, particularly when public interest calls for difficult decisions and decisive regulatory action.
As the country prepares for a change in leadership at the DICT, we urge Malacañang to appoint a successor who embodies these same qualities: a leader who is willing to make difficult decisions, stand by them on the basis of public interest, and pursue necessary regulatory action regardless of how unpopular those decisions may be.
The next DICT Secretary must understand that protecting Filipino consumers, strengthening online safety, addressing cybersecurity threats, and holding digital platforms accountable will not always be easy. These responsibilities require a leader who can withstand pressure, act decisively when circumstances demand it, and recognize that protecting the public must take precedence over avoiding controversy.
At the same time, firmness in leadership must be accompanied by a genuine willingness to collaborate. We hope the next Secretary will continue to recognize the value of working with civil society organizations, consumer advocates, the private sector, and other government agencies. Meaningful collaboration allows the government to better understand the challenges faced by Filipinos and develop responses that are practical, effective, and responsive to the public interest.
We also believe that the next DICT Secretary must be empowered to exercise clear and effective leadership over the entire Department, with the authority to set its strategic direction, ensure alignment across its offices and programs, and hold its officials accountable for their responsibilities. A Secretary who is expected to deliver on the country’s digital transformation agenda must have the institutional authority to lead the Department as a cohesive organization and ensure that its initiatives advance a unified vision for the Filipino people.
Digital transformation must not be measured by connectivity and technological advancement alone. It must also be measured by how effectively we protect Filipinos in the digital space, uphold their rights, and ensure that technology serves the broader public good. This requires a DICT leadership that understands when collaboration is necessary, when regulation is warranted, and when firm government action can no longer be delayed.
We thank Secretary Aguda for the opportunity to work with the DICT on initiatives concerning online safety, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the campaign against illegal online gambling. We hope the partnerships and efforts established during his tenure will continue to build momentum under the department’s next leadership.