Section 27Sec./Art. 27

Strengthening the ICT Academy for E-Governance. - In line with the DICT Department Circular No. 3, Series of 2021, otherwise known as "Institutionalizing the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Academy", the DICT shall reorganize and restructure its ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau in order to develop rules and policies for the operations of the ICT Academy, hereinafter referred to as Academy that shall:

(a) Become the National Center of Excellence for ICT Education;

(b) Conduct trainings on E-Governance in furtherance of this measure;

(c) Promote education to enhance the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most relevant and updated data on local and international skills supply and demand;

(d) Promote, foster, and conduct quality ICT education for the capacity development of all citizens;

(e) Foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development agenda, as provided in Republic Act No. 10844 through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development programs and for other purposes;

(f) Conduct programs and activities for the capacity development of all citizens to gain globally competitive skills and drive inclusive economic growth;

(g) Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and institutions for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's resources, and its ICT curriculum, modules, and pedagogical approaches;

(h) Promote gender parity through technology education;

(i) Ensure continuous learning and development of educators on current ICT trends;

(j) Promote immersion of learners to industry partners, whether in the private or public sector;

(k) Establish and implement a scholarly system for qualified individuals in training and programs under the Academy or other activities approved by the DICT Secretary;

(l) Facilitate the screening, admission process, and monitoring of all admitted scholars;

(m) Spearhead academic research and development related to ICT;

(n) Regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT skills and performance and suggest responsible policies to address concerns; and

(o) Develop curricula and courses for learners and students on ICT to upskill ICT proficiency and competency, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), SUCs, and local universities and colleges.