The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) will hold a public webinar on April 20, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm, via Zoom.
This virtual event will feature two PIDS studies on information and communications technology (ICT) and connectivity authored by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Ramonette B. Serafica and Research Specialist Queen Cel A. Oren.
The first study titled “Upgrading the ICT Regulatory Framework: Toward Accelerated and Inclusive Digital Connectivity” assessed the ICT sector’s regulatory environment and identified barriers to realizing equitable digital connectivity in the country. It compared the country’s cost of services and regulatory framework with other countries, which revealed that the Philippines has the third most expensive ICT service despite being a lower-middle-income country in Southeast Asia and is the only country in Asia-Pacific that requires a legislative franchise from companies prior to operation. The study presented strategies and policy recommendations that will improve the cost and quality of internet access and help address digital inequality in the country.
The second study titled “The Philippine Digital Sector and Internet Connectivity: An Overview of the Value Chain and Barriers to Competition” examined the complex and interconnected value chains of the country’s digital sector, which has significantly grown in recent years, in the pursuit of digital inclusion. It explained how the digital sector relies on various activities and processes across multiple industries that barriers in one market will substantially affect other industries and the economy. The study emphasized the need for robust competition across the complex digital value chains, especially in internet connectivity which the authors consider as the most critical element in the value chain. It identified practical and strategic solutions to promoting firm entry and expansion, improving monitoring and regulatory frameworks, and ensuring cross-sectoral cooperation.
An e-copy of the studies may be downloaded from the following links:
Upgrading the ICT Regulatory Framework: Toward Accelerated and Inclusive Digital Connectivity
The Philippine Digital Sector and Internet Connectivity: An Overview of the Value Chain and Barriers to Competition
To register, go to https://bit.ly/pidswebinarapr20. You may also tune in to the PIDS and SERP-P Facebook pages for the livestream.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATIONS:
Presentation of Dr. Ramonette Serafica, Senior Research Fellow, and Ms. Queen Cel Oren, Research Specialist, Philippine Institute for Development Studies
Presentation of Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, Undersecretary and Supervising Officer of the Legislative Liaison Office, National Economic and Development Authority (to follow)
Presentation of Engr. Edgardo Cabarios, former Deputy Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission
Presentation of Ms. Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos, Better Internet PH Lead Advocate and Secure Connections ICT Policy Analyst
