Sen. Edgardo J. Angara pushed Sunday for the creation of a government department to implement information technology-related programs as he expressed optimism that this year the information and communications technology (ICT) will realize its great potential in ensuring universal access and high-speed connectivity to vital information for Filipinos.

Angara also urged both the public and private sector to invest heavily on ICT programs to help improve the country’s economy.

To facilitate the growth of the ICT sector, Angara underscored the need to form a permanent entity that would promote ICT utilization and to effectively coordinate and implement national and local ICT services.

"ICT is a tool to boost a country's overall competitiveness by improving the efficiency of production processes across sectors and industries, accelerating the growth of knowledge-based services, and empowering people to access unprecedented sources of information and markets," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

Governments around the world are crafting policies and creating institutions for ICT growth, using various developmental approaches.