Foreword 

Malacañan Palace
 Manila, Philippines

In my keynote speech during the Knowledge Economy Conference held last May 8, 2000, I specifically mentioned that  I would especially want to see the wider and more effective use of information and communications technology (ICT) in government, particularly in ensuring wider public access to information and the faster and efficient delivery of government services to our people.

                       Philippine Government Online is therefore a very apt name for this Government Information Systems Plan (GISP) as it means bringing government closer to our people.  The GISP sets the vision where our citizens, anywhere in the country, as well as fellow Filipinos, foreign friends and potential investors anywhere in the world would have direct access to government information and services. 

                             All these are now possible if we harness the full potentials of ICT and the Internet.  We look at ICT, not only as a productivity tool, but more importantly, as a development strategy for economic growth and global competitiveness.  In fact, it is an important component of the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP), or “Angat Pinoy 2004”.  The MTPDP chapters on Social Reform and Development, Infrastructure Development, Industry & Services, and Government and Institutions Development clearly lay down the policies, strategies, and programs in applying ICT to enhance overall governance and to realize our development objectives.
                      
                     In pursuance of those development objectives, the GISP details the enabling policy and institutional infrastructure, specific strategies and technology solutions, as well as the financing options for us to realize our vision of a “Philippine Government Online”.  It also provides the implementation framework and key milestones that could serve as a major guide for the different line departments and agencies, the Department of Budget and Management and other oversight agencies, as well as the Cabinet and Congress in the planning and allocation of budgetary appropriations for priority ICT programs and projects of the government.

                     The realization of our vision of Philippine Government Online will only be possible with the support of everybody. I, therefore, enjoin the cooperation of the leaders and members of Congress, the Judiciary, all executive departments, local government units, and the private sector to make us realize this vision.
                    

Joseph Ejercito Estrada

President
Republic of the Philippines