Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde welcomed the appointment of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Paul Mercado as officer-in-charge (OIC).

Atayde said that the immediate action of the government to assign an OIC for the DICT shows the commitment of the government to ensure continuity in governance and address pressing issues without delay, especially in a time when digital transformation and technology-related concerns.

Atayde, a member of the Information and Communications Technology committee, highlighted the immediate need for a head of such an agency, given the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro announced on Monday that Mercado has been assigned as the OIC of the agency until President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appoints a secretary.

Ivan Uy, former secretary of DICT, resigned on Friday.

Meanwhile, Atayde hopes that Mercado’s leadership will help continue the programs of the DICT aimed at improving the country’s digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and enhancing cybersecurity. (END)