WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 526, S. of 1979, provides for the rationalization of government computer services;

WHEREAS, Information Technology is currently used to refer to computers, telecommunications, and office systems technologies;

WHEREAS, there is a need to update and direct government information technology efforts towards the attainment of continued national economic growth and development;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1.  Section 3 of Executive Order No. 526, S. of 1979, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Sec. 3.  An Information Technology Coordinating Council is hereby created to:

a. Formulate and recommend to the National Economic and Development Authority Board policies and plans that affect the development and application of Information Technology in the country;

b. Monitor the significant developments and activities that affect the development of Information Technology; and

c. Assist the National Computer Center in the formulation of policies, guidelines, and standards for information systems development in the government.

The Council shall consist of the Managing Director of the National Computer Center as chairman and a representative of at least the rank of an Assistant Secretary from each of the following departments:

Department of Education Culture & Sports;
Department of Science and Technology;
Department of Trade and Industry;
Department of Transportation and Communications; and
National Economic and Development Authority

The Executive Secretary shall designate three (3) members of the Information Technology Coordinating Council from among the nominees coming from the private sector submitted to the Council by organizations concerned with Information Technology development."

Section 2. The National Computer Center, in coordination with the Information Technology Coordinating Council and other concerned agencies of government, shall formulate and recommend an Information Technology manpower development program together with the appropriate policies and standards, in order to develop effective Information Technology specialists and users in government.

Section 3. Each department, major agency or government corporation shall designate an Information Systems planner who is at least a Director or of equivalent rank and who shall be responsible for the preparation, development, and implementation of Information Systems plans of the department and its attached agencies, major agencies or government corporation.  The National Computer Center shall organize, coordinate, or otherwise provide guidelines for the activities of government Information Systems planners.

Section 4. The Department of Budget and Management shall provide for the funding requirements of the Information Technology Coordinating Council.  The initial funding for Information Systems planning and Information Technology manpower development activities during 1989 and 1990 shall be sourced from any available technical assistance program for the Philippine government.

Section 5.  This Executive Order takes effect immediately

DONE in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of May in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-nine.