MaSSSoftech

THE adaptation and use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the Philippines is seen as vital to the evolution of industries and businesses in the country, and, as such, it is a matter of interest for the United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

ITU Deputy Secretary-General Houlin Zhao recently visited the Philippines to see firsthand how ICT is being utilized in the country to improve economic resilience. The ITU head’s objective was to know how the current financial crisis is affecting the ICT industry in the country. The ITU also sought to gather local facts and best practices, particularly on telecommunications-related issues, ICT infrastructure, services and resources.

To address the ITU’s concerns, a tour of the different ICT hubs in Metro Manila was organized by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology with the assistance of the Information Technology Association of the Philippines.

The highlights of the ITU chief’s visit included a visit to the UP–Ayala Techno Hub in Quezon City. IBM, a tenant of the techno hub, shared its best practices and contributions to the industry. IBM Philippines country general manager James Velasquez gave a quick briefing and tour of the latest IBM facility in the country.

“From a workforce of three when we started more than seven decades ago, we now have more than 7,000 employees,” Velasquez said. To date, IBM Philippines is the only local end-to-end provider of hardware, software and service delivered to clients worldwide.