Henry Aguda
Henry Aguda | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Secretary of Information and Communications Technology | |
Ad Interim | |
| Assumed office March 20, 2025 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Paul Mercado (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Henry Rhoel Aguda |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Spouse | Karla Lim |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman (BS, JD) |
| Occupation | Business executive |
Henry Rhoel Aguda is a Filipino business executive who has served as the secretary of information and communications technology since 2025. He was appointed by President Bongbong Marcos on March 20, 2025.
Early life and education
Aguda earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1989, graduating cum laude. He later pursued a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2008. Aguda also participated in the Strategic Alliance Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Applied Business Economics at the University of Asia and the Pacific.[1]
Career
Early career
Aguda began his career in the technology sector, holding key positions in various companies. He was in charge of software development services at WeServ Systems International, led information operations at Nextel, served as Assistant Vice President at Bayantel Communication Holdings, and managed the corporate data network for the Manila Electric Company. These roles honed his expertise in technology, telecommunications, and corporate management.[2]
UnionDigital Bank
Aguda served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of UnionDigital Bank, the digital banking arm of UnionBank of the Philippines. Under his leadership, UnionDigital Bank became a pioneer in digital banking in the Philippines, leveraging technology to provide innovative financial services.[1]
Appointment as DICT Secretary
On March 20, 2025, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Aguda as secretary of information and communications technology, a move widely interpreted as accelerating the Philippines' digital transformation given his background in fintech and digital governance.[3] The appointment drew bipartisan praise, with analysts noting Aguda's unique blend of private-sector tech expertise (from his tenure at UnionBank) and public policy acumen.[4]
Upon assuming office, Aguda initiated a reorganization of the DICT leadership, requiring all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors to submit courtesy resignations by April 4, 2025. This reset aimed to align the department with his priorities: expanding the National Broadband Plan, accelerating the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, and strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks. Two UP-trained lawyers, Leandro Angelo "Dino" Aguirre and Christina Faye Condez-de Sagon, were named as incoming undersecretaries to lead legal and regulatory reforms.[5]
References
- ^ a b Tatiana Maligro (March 20, 2025). "Marcos taps ex-UnionDigital CEO Henry Aguda as DICT chief". Rappler.
- ^ Jiselle Anne C. Casucian (March 20, 2025). "Former UnionDigital Bank CEO Aguda named DICT secretary". GMA News Online.
- ^ Romero, Alexis (March 21, 2025). "Marcos picks digital technocrat as new DICT chief". The Philippine Star.
- ^ Cabato, Luisa (March 20, 2025). "Marcos names digital technocrat Henry Aguda new DICT chief". Inquirer.net.
- ^ "Two UP-trained lawyers joining DICT as usecs". Newsbytes.PH. April 3, 2025.