In June 2001, Sec. Garchitorena, together with President Macapagal-Arroyo's private adviser/volunteer on ICT, Mr. Mel V. Velarde, and PMS Undersecretary Ricardo L Saludo (who was formerly the Executive Editor of AsiaWeek) explored several options for the conceptualization and development of the Government Portal.
Several civil society volunteer groups were tapped by Sec. Garchitorena on a pro bono basis to advise the PMS in this effort, i.e. the Foundation for Media Alternatives with Al Alegre and the PhilMusic Foundation of Jim Ayson, to name a few. In addition, there were private sector companies who offered their technical assistance to PMS. Two of these, One Virtual Corporation and k2 interactive, provided a considerable amount of skilled manpower services to the project, also on a pro bono basis.
The staff of K2interactive, under the direction of young Internet pioneers Dave Drilon and Reuben Ravago, were a tremendous asset in the speedy conceptualization / definition of the Government Portal (click here for the site map of the Government Portal in its inaugural version). This inaugural version of the Government Portal was officially launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 5, 2001 at Heroes Hall in Malacaņang Palace.
