PITC bags WiFi, defense procurement deals
The Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), the state trading arm attached to the Department of Trade and Industry, has signed an agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of National Defense (DND) for the procurement of the government’s WiFi infrastructure system and defense equipment.
The agreements were signed Thursday night during PITC’s 44th anniversary celebration.
The DICT outsourced the services of PITC to procure P2.39 billion worth of regional WiFi infrastructure network in line with President Duterte’s directive to provide free internet access in public places nationwide.
“The WiFi project will benefit Filipinos in 81 provinces all over the country as we democratize access to internet and information which can fuel economic growth especially in small and medium enterprises,” PITC president and chief executive officer Dave Almarinez said.
“The procurement of the defense equipment is in line with President Duterte’s goal of modernizing the supplies and weapons of our soldiers as one way of recognizing their bravery and selfless sacrifices for the nation,” Almarinez added.
The PITC also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia’s Geo Spectrum, an agency with similar functions as PITC, which will cover a broad range of products such as coconut oil, marine and agriculture products, and pharmaceuticals the Philippines can export to Russia.
“We have been firm with our goal to create more jobs and opportunities for the Filipino people by opening our doors to the other trading partners. This will further empower entrepreneurs and local industries to compete in the global arena,” Almarinez said.
Over the past four decades, the PITC has been regarded as a key component in opening the doors of the global market to the Filipinos.
“In the process, we were able to forge strong relations and friendships with international businesses. By making Philippine products available worldwide, other countries get a taste of Filipino produce, while our own overseas workers reminisce about their roots when they see their heritage in the Filipino goods showcased on foreign establishments,” Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.