Q: Please state the significance of the Independence Day of the Philippines on June 12.
A: The National Day commemorates our independence from Spanish colonial rule. General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 after more than three centuries of colonization.
Q: What is your opinion regarding mutual IT cooperation between the two countries which could be explored in the coming years
A: South Korea presents a model for IT development. South Korea is a leader in egovernance and boasts one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world. Because of its prominent role as an IT hub, South Korea can play a significant role in helping narrow the digital divide and contribute to the e-integration of the East Asian region in both commerce and governance. The Philippines can learn a lot from South Korea's experience. For instance, both nations will profit from regular people exchanges, sharing of experiences and technology transfers. I certainly believe that there is ample opportunity for collaboration in the IT field in the coming years.
Q: How is the state of IT collaboration between the two countries right now Are there any opportunities for Korean IT investors
A: IT collaboration between the Philippines and South Korea is active, but the further development of requisite infrastructure is perhaps the main area where South Korea and the Philippines can closely collaborate. The Philippines is rich in talented, multi-lingual and determined people who easily adapt to the challenges of a globalizing world. South Korea, meanwhile, offers a genuine model for IT growth. I believe that if we are able to successfully explore and properly utilize our complementarities, we will reap immense advantages by tapping each other's synergies.
For example, South Korean companies can invest in hardware and IT facilities in Manila while our professionals can supply the manpower. Filipinos are well-educated, skilled in software development and able to understand cultural nuances. Our graduates can concentrate on language, design and content as your firms focus on strategic niche-carving and expansion. Another area is in animation: South Koreans have the technology; the Philippines has a vast talent pool in this area.
Q: Please touch upon the Philippines' IT policy.
A: The Philippine Department of Transportation and Communication and the Philippine Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) are the two agencies tasked to implement the country's ICT goals. The Philippines recognizes the high-growth potential of ICT and e-commerce.
In the year 2000, the country passed the e-Commerce Act which provides the appropriate environment for encouraging the growth of e-commerce in the country and mandates all government agencies to make their services available online.
The Information Technology and ECommerce Council has come up with the vision of an e-Philippines - an "electronically enabled society where citizens live in an environment that will promote access to technologies and provide quality education, efficient government service, greater sources of livelihood and, ultimately, a better way of life." According to the CICT, the e- Philippines vision is anchored on five equally important strategies. These are to develop the country as a world-class ICT services provider, provide government services to stakeholders online, provide affordable Internet access to all segments of the population, develop an ICT-enabled workforce, and create an enabling legal and regulatory environment.
Q: Please touch upon the commercial possibility in the Philippines of Korea's IT technology and products such as DMB & WiBro.
A: The Philippines welcomes and actually offers fertile opportunities for Korean DMB and WiBro products. The Philippines stands to benefit from such technological breakthroughs because it is an archipelago. Linking the islands in a seamless fashion is a primary concern for local and national governments in order to achieve a more efficient and effective delivery of services. The establishment of reliable networks of communication will also ensure a smooth and dynamic flow of information and contribute to the creation of an atmosphere conducive to businesses.
However, compared to South Korea, access to infrastructure in the Philippines is not as readily available. This is where South Korea can come in; by helping the Philippines first enhance its IT infrastructure, South Korea will also open doors for investment. Many Korean companies have already recognized this potential and set up camp in various towns and cities throughout the archipelago. As these ventures prove their foresight and wisdom through the surefire returns that roll in, I expect more will follow.
Filipinos are known to be loyal patrons of mobile phones. With the helpful Short Message Service, mobile phones have gained unprecedented popularity during the last six or seven years: the Philippines generates one of the biggest traffic of text messages worldwide. Perhaps as the Philippines treads a path similar to South Korea's and becomes more digitized, the use of DMB and WiBro will gain greater ground.
Q: Please forecast the Philippines' role in Asia today.
A: The Philippines has emerged as a veritable business and tourism destination. Last year, 572,133 Koreans visited the Philippines, making South Korea the Philippines' top source of tourist arrivals ahead of the US and Japan. This posted a 16.9% increase from 2005, when arrivals peaked at slightly below half a million. In January 2007, a total of 70,733 Koreans visited the islands. Around 70,000 Koreans have decided to reside in the Philippines permanently; most of them are missionaries, businessmen and Koreans married to Filipinos. Many stay for a short-term as students or vacationers.
We have a vibrant democracy and a free press. We are active in both regional and multilateral organizations like ASEAN and its related mechanisms, APEC and WTO. I believe that as we tap our potential and further explore our strengths, there is no way to go but up.
