Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde welcomed the appointment of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Paul Mercado as officer-in-charge (OIC).

Atayde said that the immediate action of the government to assign an OIC for the DICT shows the commitment of the government to ensure continuity in governance and address pressing issues without delay, especially in a time when digital transformation and technology-related concerns.

Atayde, a member of the Information and Communications Technology committee, highlighted the immediate need for a head of such an agency, given the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro announced on Monday that Mercado has been assigned as the OIC of the agency until President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appoints a secretary.

Ivan Uy, former secretary of DICT, resigned on Friday.

Meanwhile, Atayde hopes that Mercado’s leadership will help continue the programs of the DICT aimed at improving the country’s digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and enhancing cybersecurity. (END)

QUEZON City First District Representative Arjo Atayde lauded the Quezon City University (QCU) for winning the Philippine VEX Robotics Championship, emphasizing the need to support such sport.

“Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang ipinamalas ng mga estudyante ng QCU. These students deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their dedication, hard work, and excellence,” Atayde, member of the youth and sports committee, said.

The team will compete in the University Category of the VEX Robotics World Championship in May 2025. It will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, USA, bringing together top robotics teams from around the world.

The six members of the robotics team consist of students from the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BSECE) and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) programs.

The team members are John Daniel C. Cimanes, Prince L. Docot, Raniel Rick F. Peñas, Enerjhun Q. Relon, Arturo D. Marte Jr. II, and Rencis R. Sumugat.

Atayde emphasized the need to support robotics, recognizing its role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technological innovation among students.

“As technology continues to expand in the global landscape, we must recognize robotics as a field that drives innovation and shapes the future of our youth,” the lawmaker said.

Moreover, the legislator-actor congratulated the winning team and extended his support to the students as they compete internationally.

QUEZON City First District Representative Arjo Atayde raised alarm after the local government declared a dengue outbreak in the area, emphasizing the need to protect children from the disease.

Atayde made the statement after the Quezon City   local government announced that 10 individuals died due to dengue, including eight minors.

“Nakakabahala itong pagtaas ng kaso ng bilang ng dengue. Nararapat na tiyakin na ang mga eskwelahan ay nagkakaroon ng mosquito fogging para maiwasan ang mga lamok,” the lawmaker pointed out.

“We must take care of the youth and ensure that they are protected from any harm and diseases,” Atayde added.

Atayde also reminded the public to eliminate stagnant water, especially in and around their homes, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit dengue.

Furthermore, Atayde encouraged community-wide efforts to combat dengue, highlighting the role of local governments and health agencies to establish measures that will help fight dengue.

From January 1 to February 13, this year, the number of dengue cases in the city increased to 1,708.

The most recorded is from District 2 reaching 403 and three deaths; followed by District 4 with 325 cases and three deaths and District 5 with 267 cases and three deaths as well and one from District 1.