Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry R. Aguda said the new policy requiring the adoption by government agencies of a unified, standards-based approach to information and communications technology planning through their Information Systems Strategic Plans, aims to eliminate duplication, boost digital readiness, and ensure that every ICT investment translates to meaningful, citizen-centered public service.  Photograph courtesy of dict/FB
BUSINESS

DICT orders unified planning

The DICT directive compels national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges and other covered entities to align their ICT strategies with national priorities using a centralized, quality-assured planning framework

Maria Bernadette Romero

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has issued a new policy requiring all government agencies to adopt a unified, standards-based approach to information and communications technology (ICT) planning through their Information Systems Strategic Plans (ISSPs).

The directive, formalized under Department Circular No. HRA-001 s. 2025, compels national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other covered entities to align their ICT strategies with national priorities using a centralized, quality-assured planning framework.

New policy

DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said on Thursday that the new policy aims to eliminate duplication, boost digital readiness, and ensure that every ICT investment translates to meaningful, citizen-centered public service.

“This standards-based approach ensures that every ICT project in government is designed not for complexity but for simplicity, efficiency, and the empowerment of every Filipino citizen,” he said.

Under the circular, covered agencies must use the standard ISSP template approved by the DICT and the MITHI Steering Committee, meet minimum quality standards, and submit their plans to the MITHI Steering Committee Secretariat.

The policy is based on Republic Act 10844 or the DICT Act of 2015, the General Appropriations Act of 2025, and related joint memoranda.

The DICT said the complete ISSP standards and supporting tools will be released soon.

Medium-term roadmap

The ISSP is a medium-term roadmap outlining how government agencies plan to use ICT to improve public service delivery and fulfill their mandates.

Historically, it was guided by the Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative (MITHI), a framework established to align agency-level ICT projects with national goals.

While MITHI operations were concluded in 2021, they were officially revived through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-01, reconstituting the MITHI Steering Committee and reaffirming its role in guiding harmonized ICT investments.