Information and Communication Technology or ICT is the “in” thing these days in most offices. The availability of cheap computers from the government (through DBM's Procurement Service PC ng Bayan Program) will give this a big push in government offices and among government employees.

But a key question is, are these computers, local area networks and internet connections in government offices being used properly. By “properly”, I refer to that use which is related to providing government services, as distinguished from “personal” use which has no bearing on official tasks.

Many government offices are now paying P3, 000 to P5, 000 a month for Digital Subscriber Line (or DSL) connections and use so-called “broadband”. Prior to DSL, these agencies were using dial-up connections that cost at most P1, 000 a month.

Proper use of ICT is important because this can save much needed funds without jeopardizing office productivity.

For example, it might not be necessary to have everyone send or retrieve e-mail at the same time (thus justifying internet connections to all computers in the office and use of DSL). This can be done at the office of the agency head since few e-mails are actually sent and/or retrieved daily.

The local area network can be used to maximize the use of equipment through sharing, for example, of printers and files and not necessarily for internet connections.

It is even possible that the fast broadband internet connection is being misused to access websites that should not be viewed in an office setting. Also the fast connection may be used for chatting or for downloading music.

What government offices must avoid is allowing the technology to be a restraint to productivity.

The present set-up is relatively new. Most if not all offices are still trying to adjust.

In the near future, ICT can really be strongly linked with productivity.

ICT and offices productivity can go together, if managed well.