Manila, Aug 8, 2006 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Asian Development Bank (ASX: ATB) and the Philippine Government have signed an agreement for a US$500,000 grant that will use information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote enhanced information sharing and exchange among the country's civil servants.
The grant assistance is funded by the Government of Japan through the ADB-administered Japan Fund for Information and Communication Technology (JFICT).
Initially targeting third level executives, the new JFICT project will help strengthen their training and development, engage them in wider strategic partnerships and networks, and enable their more efficient and transparent operations.
Central to this will be the planned development of ICT to modernize and strengthen the integrity of the Government and resource development structures, systems, and processes. The improved availability of data and information will help rationalize the selection, appointment, placement, promotion, and career/capability development of state managers and strengthen compliance with state policies and laws.
"The ultimate goal of the project is to provide a more efficient and effective public service," says Kenji Takamiya, an ADB Economist. "Civil servants can be an important agent for change, and improvements in the ICT infrastructure supported by this project will help facilitate the process."
The project is expected to develop and operate a shared database; web portal; and online products that include a system of learning and skills application modules for management concepts, tools, and data commonly used by third level executives.
The Government will contribute US$250,000 toward the project's total estimated cost of US$750,000. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) will be the Executing Agency for the project. A steering committee will be created to provide overall guidance and facilitate coordination among government agencies. The committee will comprise representatives from the Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and Management, CSC, Career Executive Service Board (CESB), and National Economic and Development Authority. The project will be carried out over about 18 months.
The JFICT was set up in July 2001 with an initial contribution from Japan of Y1,273.3 million (about US$10 million) to harness the potential of ICT and bridge the growing digital divide in Asia and the Pacific.
Contact
Floyd Whaley
Email: fwhaley@adb.org
Tel:+632 632 6848; Mobile: +63 920 938 6488
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