(h) Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws, standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT; G@ Assess, review and support ICT research and development programs of the government in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other institutions concerned; G) Prescribe the personnel qualifications and other qualification standards essential to the effective development and operation of government ICT infrastructures and systems; (&) Develop programs that would enhance the career advancement opportunities of ICT workers in government; Q@ Assistin the dissemination of vital information essential to disaster risk reduction through the use of ICT; (m) Represent and negotiate for Philippine interest on matters pertaining to ICT in international bodies, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other institutions concerned; IV. Consumer Protection and Industry Development (n) Ensure and protect the rights and welfare of consumers and business users to privacy, security and confidentiality in matters relating to ICT, in coordination with agencies concerned, the private sector and relevant international bodies; (©) Support the promotion of trade and investment opportunities in the ICT and ICT-ES sectors, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTD and other relevant government agencies and the private sector; (p) Establish guidelines for public-private partnerships in the implementation of ICT projects for government agencies; and (@ Promote strategic partnerships and alliances between and among local and international ICT, research and development, ase educational and training institutions, to speed up industry growth and enhance competitiveness of Philippine workers, firms, and small and medium enterprises in the global markets for ICT and ICT-ES. SEC. 7. Composition. — The Department shall be headed by a Secretary. The Department proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries and the assistant secretaries. SEC. 8. Secretary of Information and Communications Technology. — The Secretary shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. The Secretary shall have the following functions: (@) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the Department and its attached agencies; (b) Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient and economical operation of the Department, in accordance with the programs of government; (©) Review and approve requests for financial and manpower resources of all operating offices of the Department; @ Designate and appoint officers and employees of the Department, excluding the undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and regional and assistant regional directors, in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations; (@) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the Department in accordance with law, including their investigation and the designation of a committee or officer to conduct such investigation; (® Coordinate with LGUs, other agencies and public and private interest groups, including nongovernment organizations