The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has rolled out a major policy requiring all government agencies to adopt unified standards in crafting their Information Systems Strategic Plans (ISSPs), aligning with national ICT goals.
Through Department Circular No. HRA-001 s. 2025, the directive mandates national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other relevant entities to follow a centralized, quality-assured ICT planning approach.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the policy reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for a citizen-first, digitally empowered government, emphasizing that it will help eliminate redundancy, improve digital preparedness, and ensure ICT investments serve the public efficiently.
“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,” Aguda said.
Under the new rules, covered entities must adopt a standard ISSP template approved by the DICT and the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI) Steering Committee. They are also expected to meet minimum quality benchmarks and submit plans directly to the MITHI Secretariat.
The directive draws legal backing from Republic Act 10844 (DICT Act of 2015), the 2025 General Appropriations Act, and other related memoranda.
“[The policy] seeks to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and coherence of government ICT investments, as well as support long-term planning and digital readiness across agencies,” Aguda added.
DICT said supporting tools and a full suite of standards for the ISSP rollout will be released soon.
“With clearer direction and shared benchmarks, public service through technology becomes not just possible, but consistently achievable—for every agency, and for every Filipino who depends on it,” Aguda said.