MANILA – Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro has made better internet service and faster licensing top priorities as he formally took over the agency’s helm on Monday.
At his first flag-raising ceremony at the DICT headquarters in Quezon City, de Claro said the agency will work to make fast, affordable, and dependable internet accessible to every Filipino, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve connectivity nationwide.
“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natin mapababa ang presyo ng internet, mapa-improve ang serbisyo ng telco sa ating mamamayan. The Filipinos deserve better service; dapat masulit ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng ating mamamayan sa internet (We will not stop until we bring down internet prices and improve the service of telcos to our people. The Filipinos deserve better service, and every peso spent on internet should be worth it),” he said.
To achieve this, he emphasized cutting red tape and streamlining the licensing process for internet service providers, while ensuring consumers receive the quality of service they pay for.
He succeeded outgoing Secretary Henry Aguda, who also spoke at the ceremony.
De Claro also laid out his vision of making the DICT a “lighthouse” for technology-related services, serving as a guide for government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations on using technology to make public services more accessible and responsive.
He announced organizational changes to strengthen the department’s operations, including a new post for Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre, who is set to be named Undersecretary for Cybersecurity and Strategic Initiatives.
He added that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) council will be convened this week.
He said the DICT and its attached agencies will continue working to improve connectivity, strengthen digital services, and advance a more connected and digitally inclusive Philippines. (Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/PNA)
BETTER CONNECTIVITY. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro (left) and Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre during the official turnover ceremony at the DICT headquarters in Quezon City on Monday (Oct. 19, 2026). De Claro has prioritized improving internet connectivity and expediting licensing processes at the agency.
