PH Reelected to Global Telecoms Council
The Philippine delegation to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference reacts upon the announcement of the results of elections for a seat in the ITU Council. The delegation was led by (from left) Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Acting Information and Communications Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio, and former Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima. (Dubai PCG photo)
DUBAI 06 December 2018 — On the heels of its successful reelection to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Philippines secured another major international win by gaining a seat in the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) during elections held in Dubai on 05 November 2018.
“The Philippines is humbled, honored, and privileged to have been given another opportunity to serve in the ITU Council,” said Acting Information and Communications and Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., who co-headed the Philippine delegation with Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn Quintana.
“The Philippines has actively contributed to, and immensely benefitted from, the work of the ITU. This renewed mandate will help us further advance this mutually empowering partnership and allow us to champion issues that are particularly important to the Philippines, including cybersecurity, gender empowerment, and the use of technology as a tool for economic development,” he added.
By serving in the Council, the Philippines will be in a privileged position to help pursue development and sustainability through ICT and address emerging challenges brought by new technologies such as cyber-attacks, hacking, and other cybersecurity threats.
“It is significant to point out that the ITU has also been particularly instrumental in helping the Department of Information and Communications Technology and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in developing the innovative selection method for the so-called third telco in the country, or the Highest Committed Level of Service (HCLoS)," Acting Secretary Rio stated.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Quintana underscored the importance of the victory on the global standing of the Philippines.
“Our country’s win in the ITU Council is a resounding affirmation of the continuing trust of the international community on the Philippines. With this back-to-back victory, the Philippines continues to enjoy a position of confidence in the larger comity of nations as we collectively forge a path to progress, in support of our country’s own development pursuits and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” she asserted.
The ITU is a specialized UN agency tasked to promote international cooperation in information and communication technologies, including the development of standards related to the use of mobile phones, satellites, and the internet.
The Philippines will serve its fifth term of four years in the 48-member Council based in Geneva from 2019 to 2022. It has served in 1982-2002, 2006-2009, 2010-2014, and 2014 to present. The country has been a member of the ITU since 1912. END
For more information, visit www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinDubai/ or the Consul General's FB page @phcongendubaipaulcortes
Acting Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rio casts his ballot during the elections for the ITU Council.(Dubai PCG photo)