PHILIPPINE ICT MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT - THE CHALLENGE TODAY

I.

National IT Policy/Plan

The Philippine government has always considered the use of technology as one of its
tools in turning into reality its social and economic policies and programs for the
country's economic growth. With all the political and technological developments that
have been taking place in the country, the updating of the Medium Term Philippine
Development Plan (MTPDP) covering the period 2001 to 2004 was meant to embody
the antipoverty and overall development framework of the current administration.
"Overcoming poverty requires a comprehensive set of social and economic policies
and programs with an equity orientation, underpinned by good governance and
adherence to the rule of law." (Overview MTPDP 2001-2004)
Following this reasoning, Chapter 4 (Building on the Country's Strengths in
Information and Communications Technology) was specifically developed to give
emphasis on the role that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will
have in the economic development of the country. The plan aims for the country to
have a selected market niche in the area of software development, data management
and become the e-services hub in Asia. The strategies identified are: (a) Build the
physical infrastructure to ensure wider, faster and reliable access at low cost to
information and other ICT resources (interconnection of network service providers,
establishment of operational telecenters and provision of broadband services in cities,
identified growth centers and priority areas); (b) Enhance the policy and legal
environment (strengthen the Intellectual Property Office and legislate stronger
measures for the protection of Intellectual Property Rights); (c) Develop the country's
human capital to enable Filipinos to compete in the digital age (review/update
Masterplan for Basic Education, include ICT subjects in the curriculum of public
elementary and secondary schools and determine new policies and standards for ICT
education at the tertiary level); and (d) Make government transactions more
accessible, transparent and cost-effective to business and consumers (Government
Information Systems Plan implementation).
A. Fundamental Policy
A clear, coherent and well-delineated institutional setup for ICT is a pre-requisite
to a sound ICT policy formulation and implementation. It is for this purpose that
the National Information Technology Council (NITC) was created in 1994 by
virtue of Executive Order No. 190 (amended by E.O.469, s1998 and E.O.125,
s1999) as the overall policy-making and coordinating body for the development of
ICT in the Philippines. The Information Technology and Electronic Commerce
Council (ITECC) through E.O.264, s2000 (amended by E.O.18, s2002) now
assumes that role and mandate.
1. Statement of Principles, Long-range plan
The National Information Technology Plan for the 21st Century or IT21 was
prepared in cooperation and close consultation with the various government
agencies concerned and the Information Technology (IT) and related sectors
and organizations in the Philippines. It was approved by the Cabinet-NEDA
Board on 28 October 1997, adopted and launched during the multi-sectoral IT
Forum held on 23 February 1998 at the Asian Institute of Management,

Makati City.
It documents the Philippines common vision to guide IT development in the
country over the next 7 to 15 years and presents the nations broad strategy
to spur the country to global competitiveness through IT. Its overall goal is to
transform the Philippines into a Knowledge Center in Asia. The specific time
frames for achieving this goal are as follows:
By the turn of the 21st century, the Philippines will have laid
the infrastructure for every business, every agency of
government, every school and every home in the Philippines
to have access to Information Technology.
By the year 2005, IT use will be pervasive in daily life.
Philippine companies will be producing competitive IT
products for world markets.
Within the first decade of the 21st Century, the Philippines will
be a Knowledge Center in Asia: a leader in IT education, in
IT-assisted training and in the application of information and
knowledge to business, professional services and the arts.
2. IT related fundamental law and regulation
There are numerous acts of Congress, which seeks to mirror the effort being
exerted by the Executive branch of the government, in protecting original
intellectual works. The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
(R.A.8293) was passed in 1998 giving computer software and other original
intellectual works the protection it deserves.
As the technology progresses in the manner of transacting business through
online computer network, the Electronic Commerce Act (R.A.8792) was
signed in June 2000 to give recognition in the use of electronic documents,
electronic transaction in the government and penalizing cyber crimes.
With the government as the enabler and the private sector leading the
investment and development of the countrys IT infrastructure, huge financial
resources will be needed. Thus, the Built-Operate-Transfer Law (R.A.6957)
was signed in 1994, as amended by R.A.7718, serving to help the private
sector make the investments without the government shelling out any money.
Previous guidelines issued to make this particular law operational catered
mainly to civil works. Realizing the need to give impetus to IT projects, the
Guidelines on the Preparation, Review and Approval, and Implementation of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Projects Proposed for
Financing Under Republic Act R.A.6957, as amended by R.A.7718, otherwise
known as the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law was adopted last July 2003.
3. The organization in charge of IT Policy/Plan and the map of partial
responsibility
Beginning as a joint project of the Presidential Economic Staff, Department of
National Defense and the National Science Development Board, the National
Computer Center (NCC) became a full pledge office under the Office of the
President in 12 June 1971 through Executive Order No. 322. Among its
functions was to develop and establish a National EDP Coding Standard. In
March 1973, it entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University
of the Philippines for the purpose of establishing the Computer Institute

(precursor of the National Computer Institute) and developing the courses for
the Institute. NCC was restructured through Presidential Decree No. 1480 in
1978. As part of its expanded mandate, it was put in charge of preparing and
updating the Ten-Year National Computer Development Program for the
government.
Through E.O.190, s1994, the National Information Technology Plan 2000
(NITP2000) was approved. It is a plan focused on people empowerment and
global competitiveness. Also, the National Information Technology Council
(NITC) was established under the Office of the President to serve as the IT
Advisory body to the President. Among its functions, NITC was mandated to
recommend policies relative to the implementation of the NITP2000. As
provided for in E.O.469 in 1998, the NITC was tasked to coordinate and
oversee the implementation of IT21, which was adopted in 1997.
As the world was starting to be revolutionized by what the Internet have to
offer, the reality of Electronic Commerce in the Philippines was given further
boost with the creation of the National Council for the Promotion of Electronic
Commerce (NCPEC) through E.O.468, s1998 under the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI). Among its functions is to formulate a national program and
strategy for the promotion of electronic commerce in the Philippines.
In 12 July 2000, E.O. 264 merged the NITC and the NCPEC to form the
Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council (ITECC) under the
Office of the President. Some of its functions are:
Oversee the implementation and conduct periodic reviews and
updating of IT21, the GISP and their successor plans,
Formulate a national program and strategy for the promotion of
Electronic Commerce,
Advise the President and Congress on policies and plans relative to
the development, promotion and application of ICT and Electronic
Commerce, and
Harmonize and coordinate all ICT and Electronic Commerce public
initiatives, programs and projects.
To further strengthen and to show the importance that the government is
giving on the development of ICT in the country, ITECC was reorganized in
2001 through E.O.18. This time, it is now the President who chairs the
Council. The composition of the Council is as follows:
Chairperson President, Republic of the Philippines
Co-Chair Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry
Private Sector Representative
Members Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
Director General, National Economic and Development
Authority
Secretary, Department of Transportation and
Communications/National Telecommunications Commission
Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
Secretary, Department of Education
Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government
Chairman, Commission on Higher Education

Director General, National Computer Center

Seven (7) Other Private Sector Representatives
Six strategic Committees were formed with each committee being Co-chaired
by a representative of the government and private sector. Their respective
areas of concern are as follows:
E-GOVERNMENT - The eGovernment Implementation Committee is
responsible for implementing government IT plans such as the GISP
to facilitate better, more efficient and more transparent government
service.
Focus Areas: Develop an implementation plan for GISP, Review and
integrate core government frontline services, Review and consolidate
all networking requirements of government agencies, Study feasibility
of a single government portal, Review mandate of NCC and align with
ITECC directions, Review and recommend policy regarding ICT
matters, Review BOT guidelines on procurement to include and cover
BOT IT projects and Monitor compliance of agencies with the
e-Commerce Act
LEGAL AND REGULATORY - The Legal and Regulatory Committee
is responsible for reviewing all existing laws, rules and regulations
pertinent to ICT, as well as in coordinating legislation relative to
government's ICT initiatives.
Focus Areas: Finalize draft bill for creation of Department of
Information and Communications Technology, Pursue convergence
legislation, Develop programs for enforcement of intellectual property
rights laws, Finalize the implementing rules and regulations for the
e-Commerce Act, Pursue legislation for Internet privacy and security
and Develop guidelines on regulatory issues related to ICT
INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE - The Information and
Infrastructure Committee is responsible for the development of the
information and communications infrastructure.
Focus Areas: Identify priority hubs for network development, Develop
a plan to establish telecenters around the country, Develop incentive
programs for private sector participation in non-commercially viable
areas, Undertake project study on bandwidth requirement plan,
Review and resolve interconnection issues and Review, update and
revise frequency management policies and practices
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT - The Human Resources
Development Committee is responsible for developing human capital.
Focus Areas: Develop policy and programs on e-learning, Develop
guidelines on enhancement of Basic Education and Develop
programs on government/private sector initiatives in increasing supply
of IT skills
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - The Business Development
Committee is responsible for conducting market development
activities and e-business campaigns aimed at promoting the
expansion of ICT-related businesses in the country.
Focus Areas: Develop and promote the Philippines as an e-services

hub specifically in the areas of Customer Contact Centers, Medical

Transcription, Animation, Business Process Outsourcing and Shared
Financial Services and Software Development, Develop certification
standards for the identified e-services sectors, Develop an inventory
of existing IT skills in the country, Enhance fiscal incentives for
investors, Enhance financing schemes for SMEs and Plan and set
policy for venture capital market
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE (an auxiliary committee) was
formed and put in charge of advocacy and information dissemination
on ITECC and ICT concerns and activities.
Sub-committees are created to work on a specific focus area. These
sub-committees are also Co-chaired by a representative of the government
and the private sector. As of this date, there are 22 working sub-committees.
B. IT-Related Policy
The return of democracy and decentralized acquisition of computers led to a
vigorous computerization efforts by government agencies. Realizing the need to
make all the investments being made into computerization to be cost effective
and reflective of what is actually needed, the Government Information Systems
Plan (GISP) was approved and adopted as framework and guide for
computerization of key frontline and common services and operations of the
government in 12 July 2000 through E.O.265. One of its specific goals is that
within the first decade of the 21st century, every Filipino, every organization and
every foreign investor and visitor shall have online access to government
information and services.
1. Domestic promotion of IT application
Since the early 1990's, the government has been pushing for the widespread
development of Information Technology in the country. It has made use of
various means to push for its uptake not only for the common people but also
in the corporate investment areas.
a. Governmental IT promotion plan and the actual condition of IT promotion
As the private industry started to form alliances between the various
associations in existence in the early 1990's, the government started to
make its move on the regulatory side. With the first Internet Service
Provider (ISP) offering Internet access on a commercial basis, the
government reduced the tariff on computers from 10% to 3% in 1994.
This was also the time when foreign companies started making large
investments in IT manufacturing. Just as the Internet started to make
inroads, the telecommunications industry was also deregulated and
interconnection was made mandatory. The rapid uptake of the Filipinos to
the Internet would lead to the sudden increase in ISPs from 1 to 18 then
88. This number would peak to more than 200 in the late 1990's. The
work being done by the government to promote the IT industry would also
be complemented by its initial move to enforce intellectual property rights.
In 1996, the government launched the National Search for Product
Excellence in Information Technology. This contest would continue to be
held every three years. With President Fidel Valdez Ramos as the
leading promoter of the industry, 1996 would turn out to be one of the

best times for the industry. Consider some of the following

accomplishments of the time. Intel opened a second production plant for
Pentium processors. Fujitsu inaugurated its hard disk manufacturing plant
in Canlubang, Laguna while Seagate Software put up a plant in Cebu.
Other companies built plants or expanded their existing facilities including
NEC Corporation, Acer, BICC Brand-Rex and Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation. This would be capped with the President declaring 1996 as
the "Philippine Information Technology Year."
b. The favorable treatment for enterprises which introduce IT
The Philippine government has been providing several ways to entice IT
investors to bring their business operation here. The following are the
incentives provided.
For IT service providers and semiconductor firms located at economic
zones under the administration of Philippine Economic Zone Authority
(PEZA):
Income Tax Holiday (ITH) for four (4) years for Non-Pioneer IT
Enterprises or six (6) years for Pioneer IT Enterprises;
After the ITH period, you have the option to pay a special 5% tax on
gross income earned, in lieu of all national and local taxes, except
real property taxes on land owned by developers;
Exemption from payment of import duties and taxes on imported
machinery and equipment and raw materials;
Additional deduction equivalent to 50% of training expenses,
chargeable against the 3% share of the national government in the
special 5% tax on gross income;
Permanent resident status for foreign investors with initial
investments of US$ 150,000.00 or more;
Employment of non-resident foreign-nationals required in the
operation of IT Enterprises; and
Other incentives as may be determined by the PEZA Board.
For Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ)
Qualifications
Servicing at least two branches, affiliates or subsidiaries in the
Asia- Pacific region and other foreign markets
Can derive income from undertaking the following qualifying
services:
(a) General administration and planning
(b) Business planning and coordination
(c) Sourcing/procurement of raw materials components
(d) Corporate finance advisory services
(e) Marketing control and sales promotion
(f) Training and personnel management
(g) Logistics services
(h) Research and development services and product
development
(i) Technical support and maintenance
(j) Data processing and communications; and

(k) Business development

Incentives
Subject to preferential income tax rate of 10% on taxable income
Subject to applicable branch profits remittance tax
Subject to 10% value-added tax
Exemption from all kinds of local taxes, fees or charges imposed
by a local government unit, except real property tax on land
improvements and equipment
Tax- and duty-free importation of equipment and materials for
training and conferences needed and solely used for the ROHQ
functions, and which are not locally available, subject to prior
Board of Investments (BOI) approval
For Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
Qualifications
Servicing at least two branches, affiliates or subsidiaries in the
Asia-Pacific region and other foreign markets
Serves as supervisory, coordination and communications center
Incentives
Exemption from income tax
Exemption from branch profits remittance tax
Exemption from value-added tax
Sale or lease of goods and property, and zero-rated services to
the RHQ
Exemption from all kinds of local taxes, fees or charges imposed
by a local government unit, except real property tax on land
improvements and equipment
Tax- and duty-free importation of equipment and materials for
training and conferences needed and solely used for the RHQ
functions, and which are not locally available, subject to prior BOI
approval
c. Other measures for promoting IT socially
Being fast learner and with an easy-to-adopt attitude with the most
current technology, Filipinos are not impeded by the introduction of IT into
their social life. It is as welcome as when one sees a long lost friend or
relative. The most effective example of this is in the widespread use of
the cellular phone (15,383,001 subscriber at end of 2002) for sending and
receiving short messages and the proliferation of Internet Cafes.
2. IT industry promotion plan
Plans that directly promote the IT industry are now starting to show their
results. Way back in 2001, the Internet Strategy for the Philippines (ISP.COM)
was developed through the joint effort of the private and government sectors.
It embodies a comprehensive strategy to develop an environment conducive
for the investments in and growth of e-commerce. The plan identifies a focus
market where Filipino companies can concentrate initially, and immediately,
to maximize inherent advantages of the countrys human resources. At the
same time, it outlines how government will create the physical, educational,
financial, logistical and legal/institutional environment conducive for IT

development and e-commerce. It intended to provide focus on the imperative

of attracting investments into the IT industry and IT-enabled services and
identify a priority list of actions with the growth of e-commerce/e-business in
mind.
a. Hardware industry promotion plan
The Philippine Export Development Plan 2002-2004 is a three-year plan
that forms part of the MTPDP. It defines the Philippine's annual and
medium term export strategies and programs implemented by
government and private business. The plan is focused on sustaining and
helping existing competitive products and services to grow. It aims to
transform non-competitive products and services that have high
probability of success to become competitive global players. To realize
this, it identified ten revenue streams, which included Microelectronics
and IT-related Services. This plan effectively covers both the hardware
and software industry promotion.
b. Software industry promotion plan
As part of ITECC's move to further strengthen the ability of Philippine
Software Houses to do outsourcing business, a certification program for
Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is being carried out together with some
assistance from the United States Agency for International Development
(US-AID). The ITECC Roadmap publicly released during the e-Services
Exhibit 2003 held last March
C. Human Resource Development Plan
Based on Issue No. 5 of the Digital Filipino StatsReport The State of Philippine
IT Manpower, the Philippine government has been trying to get locators and
outsourcing projects in the areas of animation, contact center, medical
transcription, software development and business process outsourcing. For this to
be properly addressed there is a need to determine the Philippine labor
competitiveness and weaknesses so that policy, programs and projects can be
put up to address the requirements of this new thrust.
1. What kind of and how much IT manpower do you need?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) came up with the
updated National Science and Technology Plan 2002-2020 identifying ICT as
one of its priority areas for Science and Technology Development. One of its
goals is for Filipinos to have world class capabilities in ICT by 2010. This is in
the same length and breadth that the Philippines is also aiming for the
widespread development of its research and development manpower and
capabilities.
2. The concrete plan to resolve the shortage of IT manpower
With such plans and identified goals, the supply of manpower needs to be
assured not only in quantity but also in quality. It is no secret that through the
years, the level of competency of the Filipinos in the English language has
been deteriorating. It is also the same with its level of competency in the
areas of Mathematics and Science. We could say that these are some of the
building blocks that are so necessary in the digital world.
It is in this light that the pillars of Philippine education are starting to bring
up-to-date their various Plans and Policies. Just as there are people of

varying capabilities, there are also educational institutions that furnish

learning methodologies in various ways. Stressing the dual development
through classroom and practical means, the National Technical Education
and Skills Development Plan 2000-2004 of Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) was developed in year 2000 with the vision
of "the development of world-class, technically skilled and educated workers
with positive work values, acting as the vital force in building a prosperous
Philippines where citizens enjoy a life of greater economic security social
well-being and personal dignity."
At the tertiary level of education, the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) issued the Revised Policies and Standards for Information
Technology Education through CHED Memorandum Order No. 25 last July
2001. It laid down the requirements for facilities, faculty qualifications and the
Basic Core and Major subjects of the IT courses. It conferred three (3)
Degrees that might be pursued by college students. They are Bachelor
Degree's on Computer Science (BSCS), Information Technology (BSIT) and
Information Management (BSIM). The Commission also developed the
Medium-Term Higher Education Development and Investment Plan covering
the period 2001-2004 (The Long-Term Higher Education Development Plan
covers the period 2001-2010). It provides the policy framework and defines
the programs that will enable the higher education subsector to fulfill its role in
the development of the country's human resource in the context of
globalization and the emerging knowledge-based economy.
The most significant changes to address the quality of available manpower
can be found at the most basic level of education in the Philippines, the
Elementary and Secondary Education. The 2002 Basic Education Curriculum
was implemented starting School Year 2002-2003. It focuses on 5 major
learning areas. English, Science, Mathematics and Filipino are given the most
number of minutes per week. The goal of basic education is to provide the
school age population and young adults with skills, knowledge, and values to
become caring, self-reliant, productive and patriotic citizens.
II. The trend of IT in your country
A. The general situation
1. Social system (e-government, e-commerce, e-learning)
The moving force of Information Technology in the Philippines can not be
ignored, as it is a social reality as well as an enigma. A social reality since it
affects the daily life of Filipinos. The wide acceptance of cellular telephones in
all strata of society exemplifies this. Wherever one goes, you can certainly
see a cellular telephone being used or someone checking the incoming short
messages. Complaints on poor government services can be reported through
the short messaging system. Crimes can be reported to the police through the
cellular telephone or the Internet. Electronic processing and transmission of
tax return information are also available through the Internet. Members of the
Social Security System and government employees can access their records
through the cellular telephone or the Internet. Internet and phone banking is
also available. Online consumer assistance is also available through the
Internet in 4 pilot government offices. The Administrative Order No. 332 of

1995 directed government agencies to interconnect and make use of the

Internet. As of June 2003, out of 379 national government agencies only 6 do
not have their websites. The Electronic Commerce Act enacted in year 2000
also mandated all government agencies to make certain transactions to be
conducted online.
Private companies are making use of the Internet for sourcing of their
supplies through the portal www.bayantrade.com as well as other industry
portals.
In making its advocacy on the use of Information Technology to be useful
where it is needed, the education sector have launched an online university.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) was established in
February 1995 to "respond to growing demands for quality graduate and
undergraduate education even in areas, which do not have a U.P. campus."
An innovation on education where electricity and accessibility to school
building is such a problem led to the fielding of the so called mobile IT
classroom. "The Mobile IT Classroom (MITC), a special bus loaded with
laptop computers, audio-visual equipment and learning software, goes around
designated areas in the regions on schedule to make science learning
through computers fun and easy. Four units have been deployed since 1999
and have so far served more than 160,000 students by the end of 2001."
Information Technology, a social reality as well as an enigma. The current
developments and usability of IT to the common person is concentrated
mainly in highly urbanized/metropolitan areas of the country. The current
phase of economic development of different regions made the "digital divide"
(lack of access to computers and the Internet) more pronounced than ever.
2. The diffusion of PC (unit : set)
The following data is taken from the Philippine PC Market - Year 2002 Update
Report of the International Data Corporation (IDC).
PC UNIT SHIPMENT COMPARISON BY FORM FACTOR
Source: IDC, 2003
FORM
FACTOR
2002
TOTAL
2001
TOTAL % GROWTH
Commercial Desktop 269,298 250,205 7.09
Consumer Desktop 25,872 35,151 -35.87
Commercial Notebook 26,615 30,826 -15.82
Consumer Notebook 10,706 10,590 1.08
Standard Intel Architecture Server < $25K 6,120 6,897 -12.70
Standard Intel Architecture Server $25K+ 27 40 -48.15
GRAND TOTAL 338,638 333,709 1.46
The personal computer (PCs) penetration index is the ratio of the number of
PCs installed relative to the country's population. Data culled from the
International Data Corporation showed that the number of PCs installed in the
Philippines as of last year reached 1.37 million, which is barely two percent,

compared to the total Philippines population. 69 percent of those PCs were

found in private businesses throughout the country while only 13 percent are
found in households. Government offices and educational institutions
accounted for only 10 and 6 percent, respectively. (Source: Labor Market
Intelligence Report, Issue No. 19, TESDA)
3. Information and Communication Industry
In the survey of 2002-2003 Top 100 IT Users by Computerworld Philippines,
the Banking sector emerged again as the biggest IT user. The sector reported
a total of 50,174 nodes, consisting of 39,648 PCs/workstations; 9,375
terminals, network computers and thin clients; and 1,151 notebooks. The Top
100 IT Users reported a 13.05% increase in total installations, from a
combined 115,460 nodes in 2001 to 130,526 in 2002. The table below
summarizes the survey result.
SUMMARY
TOP 100 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USERS
Source: IT Resource PHILIPPINES 2002-2003 Edition
SECTOR
No.
of
Firms
Nodes
Terminals/
NCs/Thin
Clients
Notebooks
PCs/
Work
Stations
Servers No. of
Employees
Ratio of
Nodes to
Employees
Agriculture, Fishery
and Forestry 1 3,212 1,297 38 1,877 94 1,500 2:1
Banking 24 50,174 9,375 1,151 39,648 2328 63,839 1:1
Business Services 2 5,050 --- 50 5,000 50 3,474 1.5:1
Communication 5 5,040 --- 470 4,570 107 6,850 1:1
Community, Personal
and Social Services 6 5,310 1,130 420 3,760 65 15,100 1:3
Construction 1 530 --- 15 515 24 587 1:1
Electricity, Gas
and Water 5 10,852 10 842 10,000 350 20,200 1:2
Financial Intermediaries
(Non-banks) 1 680 650 30 --- 50 600 1:1
Insurance 6 4,295 152 137 4,006 84 4,436 1:1
Manufacturing 33 32,922 4,800 7,230 20,892 1072 98,863 1:3

Real Estate 1 445 --- 45 400 20 450 1:1

Transportation and
Storage 5 5,930 1,110 434 4,386 219 12,900 1:2
Wholesale and Retail
Trade 10 6,086 266 810 5,010 336 7,410 1:1
T O T A L 100 130,526 18,790 11,672 100,064 4,799 236,209 1:2
4. The trend of Internet
At the end of 2002, there were 53 registered ISPs in the country with about
675,000 dial-up subscribers and 125,000 broadband subscribers. There is
currently no figure available on the extent of pre-paid Internet subscriber.
From the Top 100 IT Users Survey, of the 91 companies currently connected
to the Internet, 98% provides their officers and selected employees access to
both e-mail and web browsing. While the remaining 2% gives their employees
access to web browsing only. 22% utilizes the Internet for
business-to-business e-commerce while 13% conducts business-to-consumer
e-commerce
5. Trend of language Information Processing (character code sets, font and
keyboard)
With the widespread influence of western technology, the technical standard
adopted in the Western Hemisphere is also used in the Philippines. There is
currently no work being done to set separate Philippine Standards for
language processing. Although it is being discussed, with some little research
work being done, to have a Philippine language translation of the code page
being used by computer operating systems.
B. The scale of the IT industry
TOP 10 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
Source: IT Resource PHILIPPINES 2002-2003 Edition
NET SALES
RANK
NET SALES
(in thousand pesos)
NET INCOME
(in thousand pesos)
2001 2000
NAME OF COMPANY
2001 2000 2001 2000
1 1 TI (Phils.), Inc. 98,319,723 92,841,728 3,066,048 80,628
2 3 Toshiba Information
Equipment (Phils.), Inc. 90,910,691 53,903,281 833,137 982,579
3 4 PLDT Co. 45,686,600 44,086,500 3,417,900 1,108,400
4 7 Wistron Infocomm
(Phils.), Corp. 41,686,293 35,242,971 (72,091) (1,214,637)
5 2 Fujitsu Computer
Products Corp. of the Phils. 40,229,312 58,900,693 (3,630,577) (1,287,457)
6 10 Globe Telecom, Inc. 39,929,159 23,920,020 4,305,416 1,548,831
7 5 Hitachi Computer
Products (Asia) Corp. 34,527,318 38,119,930 20,558 33,057

8 6 Philips Semiconductor
Philippines, Inc. 32,585,221 36,512,631 (1,301,389) 1,076,719
9 12 Smart Communications, Inc. 24,436,850 13,808,613 3,852,315 (406,143)
10 8 Epson Precision (Phils.), Inc. 20,959,998 21,738,858 48,7174 76,271
SELECTED INDUSTRY TOTALS
Source: IT Resource PHILIPPINES 2002-2003 Edition
NET SALES
(in thousand pesos)
NET INCOME
SECTOR (in thousand pesos)
No.
of
Firms 2001 2000
%
Increase
(Decrease) 2001 2000
%
Increase
(Decrease)
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Computer Hardware 50 12,051,742 11,426,010 5.48 309170 (73,634) --Software 41 4,516,585 5,970,266 (24.35) (111,469) 161,504 (169.02)
Computer Peripherals 52 246,730,672 237,690,062 3.8 400,057 1,756,255 (77.22)
Networking and
Communications
Products
6 1,007,231 714,687 40.93 73,255 56,847 28.86
System Board,
Memory, Interface
Card and Processor
18 78,442,902 67,212,273 16.7 12,793,221 1,531,898 82.34
Computer Supplies 7 577,581 400,795 44.11 6,132 5,070 20.95
Hardware Components
and Accessories 32 40,871,680 44,986,480 (9.15) 1,241,476 2,472,704 (49.79)
Office System
Furniture
and Flooring System
2 259,031 235,985 9.77 4,710 4,644 1.42
Computer Services 66 8,225,677 7,785,759 5.65 117,449 701,164 (83.25)
System Integrator 33 10,401,795 13,142,948 (20.86) 235,381 333,454 (29.41)
Online Services 13 1,514,582 1,287,771 17.61 (845,546) (260,290) (224.85)
Other Office/Business
Machines 21 7,126,240 5,292,409 34.65 179,010 74,475 140.36
Semiconductor
Devices 55 209,472,895 237,186,559 (11.68) 2,746,190 10,451,262 (73.72)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications

Services 56 137,127,173 102,194,954 34.18 (14,838,816) (15,539,294) (4.51)

Telecommunications
Equipment and
Accessories
48 39,686,891 26,350,209 50.61 (279,991) (1,344,138) --The scale of hardware and software industry
The promotion of the IT industry into becoming Asias E-Services Hub is getting a
stronger push through the e-Services Philippines - IT Outsourcing Conference and
Exhibition that have been held for the past 2 years. In the 2003 event, a total of
132 companies participated. A 2.3% increase from the previous year's event. Of
this, 80 companies are engaged in e-Services. A 21% increase of participating
firms offering IT-enabled services and technology. Of the total 3,944 visitors (76
foreign visitors), 64% belong to top and middle management. It was attended by
an 18-member mission from Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. 2 Singaporean
telecommunication companies and 1 Contact Center company from France
participated under the Visitor Incentive Program of the event. As of February 2003,
17 companies reported a combined P41.08 million generated business. Due to the
attendance of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the
Opening Ceremony, there was increased media coverage with 180 CEOs
attending the Ceremony.
There are five (5) industries that are being actively promoted and they are: (1)
Animation Industry, (2) Contact Center Industry, (3) Medical Transcription Industry,
(4) Shared Services Industry, and (5) Software Industry. The following information
were taken from the Fact Sheets prepared by the Bureau of Export Trade
Promotion, Department of Trade and Industry.
Animation Industry
Definition - The process of giving the illusion of movement or life to
cinematographic drawings, models or inanimate objects.
Cost Advantage - 2D price per minute is 15%-20% lower than US costs while the
3D direct to video is 25-30% lower than US costs.
Participants - There are 24 animation companies consisting of direct and indirect
export service providers, domestic service providers and direct export
service providers with exclusive clients.
Services Offered - Pre-Production (Storyboard, Character Designing, Background
Designing, Props designing, Layout Keys, Sheet Direction, Slugging, Track
Reading and Special Effects) and Production (Creative/Traditional - Layout,
Background, Animation, Clean-up, In-between and Animation Checking and
Digital - Background, Scanning, Ink and Paint, Composting and Rendering)
Contact Center Industry
Definition - A physical location where calls are placed, or received, in high volume
for the purposes of sales, marketing, customer service, telemarketing,
technical support or other specialized business activity.
Cost Advantage - Labor cost is from P12,000 to P14,000 monthly or roughly
US$1.05-1.22 per hour compared to US labor cost of US$10 to 14 per hour.
Participants - There are 43 companies offering different services such as
Outbound Sales and Lead Generation, Internet Marketing, Direct Mail, Web
Chat, Site Development, Call Center Auditing and Performance

Enhancement, Tele-Survey, Technical Support, E-Commerce Solutions and

others.
Medical Transcription Industry
Definition - Medical Transcription (MT) means converting into written form, the
dictation by the physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding
patient assessment, workup, therapeutic procedures, clinical course,
diagnosis, prognosis, etc. in order to document patient care and facilitate
healthcare services.
Cost Advantage - Philippine labor rates are among the most competitive in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Participants - There are 17 companies currently operating with around 1,200
employed professionals. Performance level at 80% accuracy without
training, 90% with training and 98% with experience.
Services Offered - MT includes the provision of the following types of transcription
work: Office visits, Consultation Reports, Progress Notes, History and
Physical Reports, Operative Reports, Clinical Notes, Emergency Notes,
Psychiatric Evaluation, Operative Reports and Discharge Summary.
Shared Services Industry
Definition - Another form of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), makes efficient
use of modern technology to perform various accounting and other
financial-related services.
Cost Advantage - Labor rates are the most competitive in Asia, wage cost for
white-collar employees is 10-20% lower than that of the US.
Participants - There are 13 companies currently operating.
Services Offered - Some of the services being offered are General Accounting,
Auditing, Credit Card, Ticketing Functions, Passenger, Accounting Ticket,
Stocks, Inventory, Disbursement, Corporate Revenue, Payroll, Financial
and Management Services
Software Industry
Definition - Software development services pertain to the provision of contract
services rendered locally for offshore clients or the assignment of manpower
to the client's facilities.
Cost Advantage - The average annual compensation per employee is less than
US$3,000 per annum.
Participants - There are 1,739 registered companies in the IT sector composed of
the following: Hardware Consultancy (143), Software
Consultancy/Supplementary Activities (87), Software Development (99),
Data Processing and Conversion (1,203), Database Activities (120),
Maintenance and Repair (22) and Other related activities (65).
Services Offered - Analysis and Design, Programming and Testing, Customization,
Reengineering and Conversion, Installation and Maintenance, Education
and Training
C. The situation of foreign firms
1. The number of foreign firms in your IT market
From a select list of new IT firms for the period January 2002-June 2003, we
have the following data.
Summary of New IT Firms

For the Period January 2002 - June 2003

Source: Board of Investments
Line of Business No. of Firms Investors' Nationality Employment
Animated Film 1 Australia 270
Information Service
Provider
1 Singapore, Germany 156
Application Service
Provider
2 Germany 159
IT-Enabled Services 18 Japan, USA,
Singapore, UK,
Korea, Australia
4,175
IT-Export Service 3 USA 620
IT Services 15 USA, China,
Malaysia, UK,
Netherlands,
Singapore, Japan
6,997
Information and
Communications
Mobile Network
1 Germany 66
Software
Development
5 Denmark, Japan,
USA
229
T O T A L 46 12,672
2. The amount of investment
Approved Foreign Direct Investment as of 1st Quarter 2003 = P6.3billion
AGENCY
2003
(in million
pesos)
2002
(in million
pesos)
%
GROWTH
Board of
Investments 2,654.5 2,076.8 27.8
Philippine Economic
Zone Authority 3,468.7 2,801.6 23.8
Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority 179.0 62.5 186.4

Clark Development
Corporation 10.5 64.4 (83.7)
TOTAL 6,312.6 5,005.2 26.1
Notes:
Approved investments refer to the project cost or committed investments
by Filipino and foreign investors.
Details may not add up to totals due to rounding.
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board
D. Law and regulation related to piracy and the restriction on communication
Realizing the importance of upholding the intellectual property rights of Filipinos
and foreigners alike, the Philippine government has made it a policy to acquire
and use only licensed software in its operations. Memorandum Circular No. 115,
series 1995 was borne out of that requirement. This Circular directed government
offices to strictly comply with the requirement of acquiring only legitimate/licensed
computer software.
The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (R.A.8293) grants literary and
artistic works, that are original intellectual creations, protection from the moment
of their creation. This includes computer programs among others. Anyone who
uses counterfeit copies of any goods shall be liable in a civil case.
The Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (R.A.8792) also contains a provision on
piracy or the unauthorized copying, reproduction, dissemination, distribution,
importation, use, removal, alteration, substitution, modification, storage, uploading,
downloading, communication, making available to the public, or broadcasting of
protected material, electronic signature or copyrighted works including legally
protected sound recordings or phonograms or information material on protected
works. It carries a penal provision of mandatory imprisonment for a minimum of
six (6) months to three (3) years and a maximum of six (6) years.
The proposed Optical Media Bill, that has been the subject of long debates, aims
to answer the problem on the proliferation of pirated compact discs - whether it be
containing computer software, songs or movies.
E. Human Resource Development
1. The training facilities for IT manpower
Extracting from CHED Memorandum Order No. 25 the requirements for
Physical Facilities-Computer Laboratory, we have the following data. There
should be at least an allocation of 2.0 sq.m. per student as laboratory floor
space. Each student should be provided at least three (3) hours of individual
hands-on computer time per week. At an effective operating time of ten (10)
hours a day, for six days, there would be 20 students sharing 1 computer
every week. There should be also 1 printer allocated for every fifteen (15)
computers. At least twenty percent (20%) of the equipment should have been
manufactured within the last three (3) years. The maximum class size should
be fifty (50) students only.
2. A typical computer department and the number of graduates
Continuing data extraction from CHED Memorandum Order No. 25, a higher
education institution in the Philippines intending to offer degree programs in
BSCS, BSIT and BSIM shall implement the programs through a
well-organized and competent staff and faculty. It shall be headed by a

full-time Dean, Department Head, Director, Coordinator or equivalent rank.

There should be at least two (2) full-time faculty members. The
Dean/Department Head should also have industry advisor(s) to assist him/her.
This could be in the form of a Board of Industry Advisors that is a component
of an industry-academe linkage program.
From School Year (SY) 1997-1998 until SY 2000-2001, the number of
enrollees and graduates for Mathematics and Computer Science have been
steadily growing. Due to some procedural matters of classifying graduates,
Mathematics and Computer Science majors are counted together.
NUMBER OF ENROLEES AND GRADUATES FOR MATHEMATICS AND
COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS
Source: Commission on Higher Education
School Year Enrollment Graduates
1997-1998 166,329 27,636
1998-1999 181,238 31,144
1999-2000 200,204 26,888
2000-2001 218,675 28,231
TOTAL 766,446 113,899
3. The number of computer sets
High Schools
The data being collected at the present covers only the public high schools.
The total percentage of Public Secondary Schools with computers that are
laboratory-based and for instructional purposes comes up to 56.25%.
Summary of the Number of Recipient-Schools for Computers
As of School Year 2003-2004
Source: Bureau of Secondary Education, DepEd
No. of Recipient Schools under the DepEd
Region Computerization Program
No. of
Public
Secondary
Schools
1996 1999 2000 2002 Total
No. of
Recipient
Schools
under
DOSTESEP
No. of
Recipient
Schools
under
DOST
No. of
Recipient
Schools
under

PCPS
Total No.
of
Recipient
Schools
I 386 58 15 15 14 102 7 2 107 218
II 184 29 7 7 5 48 11 7 31 97
III 307 43 12 12 10 77 8 13 79 177
IV 646 93 21 21 21 156 7 7 182 352
V 359 64 14 14 12 104 12 3 86 269
VI 410 64 15 15 13 107 6 0 96 209
VII 316 46 19 19 11 95 6 3 63 167
VIII 297 52 13 13 10 88 7 2 69 166
IX 195 30 7 8 7 52 6 2 48 108
X 155 29 5 6 5 45 4 3 34 86
XI 242 30 10 11 8 59 8 8 51 126
XII 152 34 3 4 5 46 5 2 40 93
XIII 160 23 5 5 5 38 3 3 34 78
NCR 141 31 4 4 5 44 13 9 19 85
CAR 140 18 5 6 5 34 7 0 30 71
ARMM 112 17 5 5 4 31 0 4 27 62
TOTAL 4,202 661 160 165 140 1,126 110 88 996 2,320
For the 1996 deployment, the standard distribution is 7 desktop PCs with 1
printer (total PCs = 4,627, printers = 661). The 1999, 2000 and 2002
deployment have 10 workstations, 1 server and 1 printer in a
networked-environment and Internet ready configuration (total servers = 465,
total PCs = 4,650, total printers = 465). In the PCs for Public Schools Project
(PCPS) Phase 1, the standard deployment is 20 PCs, 2 printers, 1 external
modem and 1 external CD-ROM in a networked-environment and Internet
ready configuration (total PCs delivered = 19,920).
The PCs for Public Schools Project has Phase 2, which aims to intensify the
impact of PCPS Phase 1 by establishing more computer laboratories in public
high schools. It targets to cover an additional 900 public high schools in 16
regions of the country to bring the public high schools access to computer
technology to about 70%. The standard deployment is 10 PCs, 2 printers and
1 external modem.
Colleges and Universities
The statistical data for this segment of the Philippine educational system is
presently undergoing the collection stage. It is projected that the result of this
data gathering will be released on the first quarter of 2004.
4. The Plan to build or equip training facilities for IT Manpower
The University of the Philippines, at the Diliman campus, has a proposal to
build an IT Training Center for advanced courses. This is also being
envisioned to serve as a source of students who will pursue higher education
(Masteral and Doctoral) in the field of Computer Science. There is also the
Department of Science and Technologys proposal to establish a Technology
Transfer Center in its Head Office area.

5. IT Engineer Qualification Systems

NCC conducts the annual EDP Specialist Examination for Computer
Programmer and Information Systems Analyst. The successful examinees
are also given 2nd Level Eligibility in the Philippine Civil Service.
After the Pilot Test conducted last September 2001, "a Memorandum of
Mutual Recognition has been signed between Japan Information Technology
Engineer's Exam Center (JITEC) and the Japanese Information Technology
Standard Examination (JITSE) Philippines Foundation. A provision states that
JITSE-Philippines Foundation shall implement a certification program
equivalent in scope of knowledge, skills and the technology to the Skills
Standards provided by the Japan Information Processing Development
Corporation (JIPDEC) and therefore recognized by JITEC and the Japanese
Government.
Aside from implementing the Fundamental IT Engineers Exam from JITEC or
its equivalent (to be developed locally by JITSE) JITSE Philippines shall be
implementing other certification programs from Japan, like the Computer
Graphics Certification Exam from the Computer Graphics Arts Society of
Japan (CGA); other levels of examinations from JITEC; 3D CAD, etc.
In the implementation of the JITSE Fundamental Exam for IT
engineers/professionals, JITSE has formed a Task Force with the
participation of the following members: Office of Special Concerns of DTI,
Director for Certification of TESDA, National Computer Center, the
Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines (ITFP) and its member
associations namely - the Philippine Computer Society (PCS), the Philippine
Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) and the Philippine
State Universities and Colleges in Computer Education Society
(PSUCCESS)." (Source: http://www.jitse.org/about.html)
There are also testing centers, which cater mainly to Vendor Certifications.
Examples are certifications from Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, RedHat and SUN.
6. What kind of and how much IT Manpower does your country need?
"The Virtual Center for Technology Innovation in Information Technology
(VCTI-IT) is a flagship project of the Department of Science and Technology
leading in the development of the country's IT human resource.
The project aims to elevate the levels of competency of IT professionals and
educators. Consistent with the IT21 Agenda, specifically to turn the
Philippines into an Asian hub of software development and training, the
VCTI-IT:
Conducts subsidized IT trainings in Java, XML, UML, MS-Visual Basic,
MS-Windows 2000 Professional, Cisco, Software Engineering, Project
Management and other IT Topics;
Helps individuals get certified in leading international IT certification
programs;
Helps promote and implement internationally recognized IT standards
such as the Capacity Maturity Method (CMM) and Japan Information
Technology Standard Examination (JITSE); and
Conducts baseline studies on the Local Software Engineering Activities
and on the IT manpower demand and supply in the country." (Source:

http://vcti-it.dost.gov.ph/)
From the Top 100 IT Users Annual Survey conducted by Computerworld
Philippines, the data collected on the Operating Systems being used and the
preferred Database Management Software (DBMS) gives us a glimpse of the
technical expertise that is needed by the industry. The family of Microsoft
Windows (3.x, 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP) is the most common client operating
system with 60 companies using them. Unix is the choice of 13 companies
and 9 companies prefer GNU/Linux. There are also users of Solaris (6), OS/2
(4), MacOS (2) and the time-honored DOS (6).
In the Server OS, Windows NT comprises the majority of users followed by
Unix, GNU/Linux, Novell NetWare, OS/2 Server, AS400 and AIX. Fast
Ethernet and Ethernet network technology experienced a decline while
Switched and Gigabit Ethernet use among companies increased. Other
network environments include IP Switching, Token Ring Switching, FDDI and
ATM.
With the Client and Network OS being MS-Windows centric, the database
management software, on the other hand, is being hotly contested between
MS-SQL and Oracle. Other DBMS being used are IBM DB2 and DB4,
Informix, Sybase, Progress, SAP, FoxPro and Adabas.
A baseline study, entitled The State of Philippine IT Manpower, that was
conducted by Janette Toral in 2002 for the VCTI-IT Human Resource
Development Program provides specific numbers. In the study, it was
estimated that there was 567,802 IT manpower employed in the past 4 years.
For 2002, there was 35,949 IT job openings. For 2003-2004, IT job openings
was projected to be at 347,976. But this number is dependent on the
economic development of the country. There are multiple skills that were
identified as needed by employers. They do not differ much whether it is in
the Corporate or Outsourcing World that one wants to go. Skills given the
highest priorities are: Java, SQL, HTML, MS-Visual Basic, MS-Windows 2000,
C/C++, Linux and Networking skills. IT Certification is one area that the
Philippines is lagging behind. As of July 2002, there were only 1,588
Microsoft Certified Professionals. While the Cisco Certified Professionals
have so far reached only 666 as of October 2002.
III. Others - General Statistical Data
A. Population
Total Population (May 2000 Census) = 76.5 million
Population Projection (2003) = 81.1 million
Source: National Statistics Office
B. Gross area
115,739 sq.mi. = 299,404 sq.km.
C. Climate
The Philippines has a tropical climate with relatively abundant rainfall and gentle
winds. There are three pronounced seasons: the wet or rainy season from June
to October, the cool, dry season from November to February, and the hot, dry
season from March to May.
D. Capital
City of Manila

E. Race
91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay, 1.5% Chinese and 3% other
Source: 2000 Census of Population and Housing, National Statistics Office
F. Religion
Roman Catholics = 61,862,898 (81.04%)
Islam = 3,862,409 (5.06%)
Evangelicals = 2,152,786 (2.82%)
Iglesia ni Cristo = 1,762,845
Aglipayan = 1,508,662
Seventh Day Adventist = 609,570
United Church of Christ in the Philippines = 416,681
Jehovah's Witnesses = 380,059
Others = 3,776,560
Source: 2000 Census of Population and Housing, National Statistics Office
G. Main language
Filipino is the national language. English is widely spoken. There are about 76 to
78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.
H. Literacy rate
Simple Literacy = 92.28%
Functional Literacy (1994) = 83.8%
Source: 2000 Census of Population and Housing, National Statistics Office
I. Per Capita GNP
In 2002, P13,522.00 at constant 1985 prices
P 51,758.00 at current prices
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
J. Main industry
Electronics and components
K. Main export material (FOB value in thousand US$ for January to June 2003)
Electronic Products = US$11,242,672
Electronic Equipment and Parts = US$362,007
Machinery and Transport Equipment = US$616,617
Garments = US$1,122,158
Source: National Statistics Office
L. Exports
2002 Total Exports (in million US$) = US$35,208
January to June 2003 Total Exports (in thousand US$) = US$17,067,760
Source: National Statistics Office
M. Imports
2002 Total Imports (in million US$) = US$35,427
January to June 2003 Total Imports (in thousand US$) = US$18,570,517
Source: National Statistics Office
N. Currency
Philippine Peso, 1peso = 100centavos
O. Exchange rate with US$
US$1.00 = P 54.6890 (July 2003 Average)
Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
REFERENCES:

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) - www.bsp.gov.ph

Board of Investments (BOI) - www.boi.gov.ph
BusinessWorld Internet Edition - www.bworld.com.ph
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) - www.citem.gov.ph
Chan Robles Virtual law Library - http://www.chanrobles.com
Clark Development Company (CDC) - www.clark.com.ph
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) - www.ched.gov.ph
Computerworld Philippines - www.computerworld.com.ph
Contact Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (CFPI) - www.contactph.org
Department of Education (DepEd) - www.deped.gov.ph
Department of Foreign Affairs (DOF) - www.dof.gov.ph
Department of Finance (DOF) - www.dof.gov.ph
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - www.dost.gov.ph
Department of Tourism (DOT) - www.tourism.gov.ph
Department of Trade and Industry - www.dti.gov.ph
Digital Life by Chin Wong - www.info.com.ph/%7Echinwong/index.htm
Digital Philippines Foundation, Inc. - www.digitalphilippines.org
Information Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) - www.itaphil.org
Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC)- www.itecc.gov.ph
Inquirer and GMA Network Company - www.inq7.net
International Data Group (IDG) - www.idg.com
IT Resource PHILIPPINES 2002-2003 Edition
Japanese IT Standard Philippine Foundation, Inc. (JITSE-Phil) - www.jitse.org
Metropolitan Computer Times - www.mctimes.net
National Computer Center (NCC) - www.ncc.gov.ph
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) - www.neda.gov.ph
National Statistics Office (NSO) - www.census.gov.ph
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) - www.ntc.gov.ph
Outsource Philippines, Inc. - www.outsourcephilippines.org
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) - www.peza.gov.ph
Philippine Government Portal - www.gov.ph
Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) Science Education Institute - www.sei.dost.gov.ph
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) - www.sbma.com
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - www.tesda.gov.ph
Tradeline Philippines Center (TPC) - http://tradelinephil.dti.gov.ph
University of the Philippines Open University - www.upou.org
Virtual Center for Technology Innovation in IT (VCTI-IT) - http://vcti-it.dost.gov.ph/