MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has issued a landmark policy mandating all government agencies to adopt the Information Systems Strategic Plans (ISSPs) unified standards in information and communications technology (ICT) planning.
The directive 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 and quality-assured planning framework.
The policy was formalized under Department Circular No. HRA-001 s. 2025 “Adoption of a Standards-Based Approach to Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) Compliance, and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a digitally empowered and citizen-first government.
In a statement on Thursday, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the 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,” Aguda said.
The policy requires all covered government entities to incorporate the standard ISSP template approved by the DICT and the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI) Steering Committee.
These entities are also required to comply with minimum quality standards for ISSPs and submit their ISSPs directly to the MITHI Steering Committee Secretariat.
The DICT’s new policy is based on the Republic Act 10844 or the DICT Act of 2015, the General Appropriations Act of 2025, and related joint 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,” he said.
The full suite of ISSP standards and related tools to support the transition is set to be available 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. (PNA)