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In the heart of Soccsksargen, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is managing a vital shift in the region’s work landscape, ushering in a new era of digital opportunity. With a strategic focus on literacy training, DICT is not only equipping the unemployed but also upskilling online Filipino workers, paving the way for a flourishing digital economy.
Under the banner of its Digital Jobs PH (DJPH) programme, DICT is spearheading a transformative journey from traditional work setups to dynamic digital workspaces. Ibrahim B. Guiapar Jr., the Regional Director of DICT, reaffirms the agency’s mission: “DICT is providing training for free”.
These training modules encompass a diverse array of skills such as social media marketing, virtual assistance, graphic design, and software development, tailored to cater to the unique needs of each province within Region 12.
In 2023 alone, DICT conducted six comprehensive training sessions across Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), nurturing 154 individuals under the DJPH programme. Guiapar underscores the programme’s inclusive approach, targeting not only professionals but also those currently unemployed, offering them a pathway to becoming online Filipino workers.
Guilbert Simene, Chief of DICT’s Technical Operations Division, extols the virtues of freelancing and digital work, describing them as lucrative alternatives to traditional employment. He emphasises that individuals engaged in the online job market have the potential to earn on par with or even surpass the earnings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), all from the comfort of their homes.
For Daphne Booker Nalcot, a 29-year-old resident of New Ilo-ilo Tantangan, South Cotabato, DICT’s initiatives have opened doors to new horizons. Grateful for the opportunity to participate in an Adobe Premiere workshop, Nalcot recognises the value of acquiring new skills in bolstering her resume and enhancing her employability. Her testimonial serves as a beacon of encouragement to her peers, urging them to seize the opportunity for personal and professional growth through DICT’s training programmes.
Looking ahead, DICT remains steadfast in its commitment to catalysing the digital transformation of Soccsksargen’s workforce. With a bold vision of surpassing half a million digital jobs by 2028, the agency is poised to be a catalyst for economic empowerment and social progress. By extending its support to recent graduates and aspiring freelancers, DICT aims to unlock a myriad of employment and income-generating opportunities within the burgeoning freelancing industry.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched the digitaljobsPH programme to enhance the digital skills of Filipinos, especially those residing in rural regions. Through this initiative, the DICT seeks to broaden the scope of livelihood opportunities enabled by information and communication technology (ICT), fostering greater participation in the digital economy.
The Digital Jobs PH (DJPH) programme has allowed people in various locations to gain employment working mostly from home and earning approximately the same income as Overseas Filipino Workers. These graduates do not have to migrate to the big cities or leave their families to work abroad.
Through collaboration and empowerment, DICT continues to pave the way for a digitally empowered society in Soccsksargen and beyond. As the digital revolution unfolds, DICT’s unwavering dedication to fostering digital literacy and employment underscores its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. With each training session and skill acquisition initiative, the agency propels individuals towards a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow, where digital innovation is not just a possibility but a tangible reality.
