Technological Mastery and Public Service

It was only a few years ago when text messaging, which has grown from a teenybopper fad to a lifestyle that our public cannot seem to forego, was only a blip in the telecommunications industry. Now, in hindsight, it seems to be the forerunner to another technological innovation that is about to explode in the near horizon: the third generation or 3G mobile phone unit which one can use to take pictures, send email and download information from the Net. As we watch this continuing evolution that could-like the others that preceded it take our people by storm-we can only ask ourselves what is there that is yet to come.

That only is the first question. Undoubtedly, we will encounter more in the future that will challenge us to deal with the immediate impact as well as the long-term consequences on our society and its people. How can all these benefit Filipinos? How can competition among the major players thrive and be encouraged? What are the possible abuses that we must be vigilant about and, if necessary, prevent? What environment must be cultivated that would further enhance, and not suppress, the development of new phase in the telecommunications industry that in turn could contribute to the national economy?

Guidelines and memorandum circulars that will help provide a perspective on how the public and the major players can best approach these technological wonders are being discussed and drafted as of publication. Regulation is vital, especially given the free-for-all culture of the Net and the seamless way in which its electronic domain has grafted itself into our individual lives. We are aware all too keenly of the great strides that our neighbors are taking in this area-and of the need that our country must do if we are to compete in the global arena.

In response to this challenge, eNTC has become a major priority. This means that computerization of our systems which will establish the accuracy and upgrading of records as well as linkages with branches throughout the archipelago. This means transforming our employees into knowledge-based workers who can at any moment help the public grapple with the innovations it is facing.

Because, regardless of the technological wonders that come our way, the one thing that lies at the heart of the NTC, impervious to the changes of time and the development of tools, is public service. The improvement of the lives of Filipinos, from the metropolitan areas to the far-flung regions. Their practical understanding of how to make all these technological wonders work for them. The non- negotiable imperative of accessibility to a phone line which, as seen in the Quezon disaster, may spell the difference between life and death.

That is a mandate that this new leadership takes very seriously. Even as we harness our resources to ensure that we keep our eyes and ears close to the Filipino people, ready to extend a hand or two at a moment's notice. It is true that technology may open up new horizons for national development; it is our task to see to it that every Filipino reaps its benefits.