DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has forged a partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the John Hay Management Corporation for the establishment of the North Luzon Data Center.

The agreement was signed on Monday, 18 September 2023 by Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, and JHMC President and CEO Allan R. Garcia.

The DICT will lead the development of the North Luzon Data Center, which will be an integral part of the Department's National Government Data Center Project.

"The collaboration between DICT and BCDA to establish the North Luzon Data Center is a quantum leap toward a digitally-empowered Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to innovative, efficient and exceptional public service. With this data center, we shall drive digital transformation in the region and the country, ensuring that every Filipino can seize the opportunities of the digital economy," said Uy.

The planned North Luzon Data Center will mainly cater to government entities situated in the area of the country, promoting the utilization of e-governance systems and facilitating public transactions. A portion of the data center shall also be allocated for BCDA and JHMC's use.

"As the country's digital economy and the demand for cloud-based services continue to grow exponentially, the Philippines needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure and build up its data center capacity. Being stewards of national development, the BCDA is ready to support the DICT in this endeavor, and we are willing to extend our efforts so that all Filipinos have access to fast and reliable digital services," said Bingcang.

Garcia added: "Celebrating this groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership, DICT, BCDA and JHMC unite to usher in a state-of-the-art government data center. Together, we aspire to elevate our digital infrastructure, empower efficient public services and ignite a new era of technological progress, all for the benefit of every Filipino."

The DICT has been aggressively pushing for e-governance initiatives, in compliance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the full digitalization of the country's bureaucracy.

Through forging partnerships with various government agencies and local government units, the department promotes the efficient delivery of public services and the interoperability of government systems and applications.