The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) conducted an orientation on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) as requested by NEDA Region 6 in order to secure online work transactions. The activity was conducted online on    July 23, 2020 with all NEDA Regional VI staff headed by RD Ro-Ann A. Bacal.

“Because we have adopted the work-from-home arrangement, it is very important to safeguard the authenticity of documents and information sent online which is why we have requested for an orientation on the PNPKI services of DICT to expedite and secure online transactions,” said Director Bacal.

DICT Information Systems Analyst John Michael Lagos shared that the PNKI is essentially a set of hardware, software, policies, personnel and procedures needed to create, manage, distribute, use, store and revoke digital certificates. He added that these digital certificates will ensure confidentiality, authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of electronic transactions and documents.

The orientation was well received by the NEDA staff and expressed support in adopting the use of these digital signatures to facilitate a secure and faster remote work transactions.  ONE-VI President Mr. Francis John Palabrica also mentioned the need for DICT to promote and encourage more government agencies including local governments towards the adoption of digital signatures in order to facilitate public service continuity and ease of doing business.

The orientation also included the application process and other services offered by the DICT. The NEDA Regional Office intends to implement the use of the PNPKI digital services by August 2020.