EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 190 - APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLAN 2000 AND ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the vital role of information and communication in nation-building, and, in its commitment to regulate the transfer and promotion of the adaptation of technology from all sources for the national benefit, encourages the widest participation of both the public and private sectors in the utilization of technology;  

WHEREAS, the Philippines is steadfast in its vision of becoming a Newly Industrializing Country by the year 2000, and thus, resolves to enhance its global competitiveness;

WHEREAS, revolutionary innovations in Information Technology (IT) provides enormous potential for the achievement of our national economic and developmental agenda;

WHEREAS, when properly harnessed, IT is a tool that empowers people, increases productivity, creates business opportunities and, essentially, enables us to do more with less; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to draw up a comprehensive and integrated IT national policy framework within the context of the Medium-Term Philippines Development Plan.  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Approval of the NITP. — The National Information Technology Plan 2000 (NITP2000), hereto attached, is hereby approved.

Sec. 2. Establishment of the NITC; Functions. — The National Information Technology Council (NITC) is hereby established under the Office of the President which shall serve as the IT advisory body to the President. As such, the NITC is mandated to:

a. recommend to the President policies relative to the implementation of the NITP2000 in consultation with all agencies concerned;

b. monitor and ensure the implementation, and undertake review and periodic upgrading, of the NITP2000;

c. recommend to the President a legislative agenda that will promote the accelerated development and application of IT in the country;

d. monitor the major IT projects, significant developments and activities that affect NITP2000, especially in the government, through an institutionalized system of networking;  

e. assess, review and provide direction for continuing research on various relevant aspects of IT, including the assessment of the IT industry’s progress and problems;

f. advocate strategic alliances between government, business, academe and non-government organizations in order to promote the team approach in IT efforts, especially in the area of technology transfer;

g. catalyze industry growth by syndicating alliances with the international community for large national projects with massive private sector participation; and

h. facilitate the sourcing of funds to support implementation of programs and projects.  

Sec. 3. Composition. — The NITC shall be composed of the following:

a. Executive Secretary - Chairman

b. Director-General, National Economic
and Development Authority   - Co-Chairman

c. A duly designated Undersecretary from each of the following as Members:

Department of Science and Technology;

Department of Trade and Industry;

Department of Transportation and Communications;

Department of Education, Culture and Sports;

Department of Foreign Affairs;

Department of Budget and Management;

d. Managing Director, National Computer Center, and Head, Presidential Management Staff - Members

e. Two (2) representatives from the private sector of the IT industry to be appointed by the Chairmen as Members; and

f. One (1) representative from a non-governmental organization involved in social and/or economic development to be appointed by the Chairmen as Member.