POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2010 SICT DATA

Dr. Ricardo M. Belgica

Professor V Bicol University

1. Focal Concern of Analysis: Context of INFORMATION ECONOMY

Ability to rapidly exchange information and create economic value.

Technologyfacilitated information. PRODUCERS

ICT Sector Content and Media Sector

Technologyfacilitated information.
CONSUMERS
Households Firms Government

2. Apparent Limitation of the Survey vis--vis Focal Concern

Survey dealt only with the technical capacity of the producers to provide the goods (information) through ICT. Survey did not touch on the technical capacity of the consumers to avail or be reached by the goods (information) through ICT.
Hence, the picture of INFORMATION EXCHANGE is one player of the information economy.

3. Technical Capacity of the Technologyfacilitated Information Producers

Access to resources (computer and internet) is generally high. above 90%

However, the utilization of the resources (specially internet) is generally low, particularly along the following functions: a) Finance Accounting & Auditing less 33 % b) Recruitment less 50 % c) Staff Training less 33 % d) Information Sharing less 50 %

4. Implications of the Survey Results on the Technical Capacity of the Information Procedures
The under-utilization of ICT resources by the producers as principal ICT players themselves tends to indicate that the cost-efficiency of the technology is a major constraint perceived and/or experienced. The cost-efficiency concern of the producers may be an off-shoot of INEQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION of economic opportunities (ICT consumers) and consequently economic gains (comparative cost-benefit) among the ICT industry players.

4. Implications of the Survey Results on the Technical Capacity of the Information Procedures
The under-utilization of the technology by the information procedures themselves is a roadblock in inducing exchange of quality and responsible information.

5. Recommendations
Government policies affecting the ICT industry needs a re-visit particularly on its strategic bearing on the information economy.

Comprehensive studies on the information economy, touching on both sides of the coin (producers and consumers) have to be encouraged and supported by the government.