(b) To ensure the provision of a strategic, reliable, cost-efficient and citizen-centric information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, systems and resources as instruments of good governance and global competitiveness; (k) To empower, through the use of ICT, the disadvantaged segments of the population, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and indigenous and minority groups; @ To ensure the rights of individuals to privacy and confidentiality of their personal information; (©) Toensure universal access to quality, affordable, reliable and secure ICT services; (m) To ensure the security of critical ICT infrastructures including information assets of the government, individuals and businesses; and. (d) To promote the development and widespread use of emerging ICT and foster and accelerate the convergence of ICT and ICT-enabled facilities; (x) To provide oversight over agencies governing and regulating the ICT'sector and ensure consumer protection and welfare, data privacy and security, foster competition and the © To ensure the availability and accessibility of ICT services in areas not adequately served by the private sector; () growth of the ICT sector. To foster an ICT sector policy environment that will SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as follows: promote a broad market-led development of the ICT and ICT-enabled services (ICT-ES) sectors, a level playing field, partnership between the public and private sectors, strategic alliance with foreign investors and balanced investments between high-growth and economically-depressed areas; (a) Information and Communications Technology or ICT shall mean the totality of electronic means to access, create, collect, store, process, receive, transmit, present and disseminate information; (g) To promote and assist the development of local ICT content, applications and services which may include support for ICT-based start-up enterprises through strategic partnerships; (b) Convergence shall mean the interface between and among various telephony, radio, video, broadcasting and multimedia infrastructure, devices and services, enabling users or subscribers thereof to communicate with one another; @) To encourage the use of ICT for the development and promotion of the country's arts and culture, tourism and national identity; G) To promote digital literacy, ICT expertise, and knowledge-building among citizens to enable them to participate and compete in an evolving ICT age; eee (h) To promote the use of ICT for the enhancement of key public services, such as education, public health and safety, revenue generation, and socio-civic purposes; ©) Electronic Government.or E-Government shall mean the use of ICT by the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable and transparent government service; (@ ICT Sector shall mean those engaged in providing goods and services primarily intended to fulfill or enable the function of information processing and communication by electronic means. The ICT sector includes telecommunications and broadcast information operators, ICT equipment manufacturers,