MANILA, Philippines ? The government is counting on the information technology and business process outsourcing sectors to help the country weather the economic storm.

With June formally declared information and communications technology (ICT) month, Commission on ICT head Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III said the role of the sector was very much pronounced, particularly with BPO being one of the few remaining sunshine industries in the country.

The theme for this year?s ICT month, ?Riding the next wave with ICT,? was very much suited to the times, he said.

?This year?s theme highlights that, now more than ever, ICT will play a crucial role in our nation?s future. Already, we are witnessing the benefits of ICT in various aspects of development,? he said in a statement.

?The IT-BPO sector, for example, has remained resilient in the midst of the current global economic crisis. We remain optimistic that with our ?Next Wave Cities? initiative, we will be able to bring the economic benefits of the industry to cities outside our main IT-BPO hubs of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu,? he said.

National ICT Month will formally end on Monday with the launch of ?Convergence 2009: Empowering the Filipino Through ICT,? an activity that combines a roadshow and talent caravan in the country?s Cyber Corridor.

The program involves a nationwide tour of the top 10 cities outside of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu that are best suited for BPO locators.

The roadshow, in particular, will zero in on e-government, human capital development, information infrastructure and cyberservices.