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In its unwavering dedication to harnessing technology for nationwide progress, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) continues to empower local government units (LGUs) and ICT councils, amplifying ICT capabilities at the grassroots level.
During the Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibition 2024 (CLICkConEx) held at the Baguio City Convention Center, DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue emphasised the pivotal role of ICT councils in fostering local ecosystems primed for digital advancement. These councils, she highlighted, play a crucial role in tackling pressing issues such as cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the digital divide.
Under the Digital Innovation for Regional Ecosystem and Countryside Transformation (DIRECT) Programme, the DICT is directly impacting stakeholders, even in rural areas. This initiative encompasses various components like Regional ICT Summits and Exhibitions (RISE), Digital Career Expo, Digital Communities Plus, D4D Summits, and Digital Inclusion Programmes, aimed at propelling digital literacy and economic growth in local communities.
Stressing the government’s commitment to empowering LGUs, DICT Industry Development Bureau Director Emmy Lou Delfin shared that President Marcos has prioritised leveraging ICT to enhance public services and drive local economic development.
Under the theme “Pioneering Innovation in ICT for a Smarter Tomorrow,” CLICkConEx showcased collaborative efforts across government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and organisations to harness technology for rural ICT advancement. The event spotlighted the strides taken by Luzon cities and Baguio City in transitioning into smart cities, catalysing digital transformation across the Cordillera region and beyond.
Highlighting best practices, active ICT councils from Luzon, including Palawan, Bicol, Taytay, and Rizal, shared insights into effective collaboration with various stakeholders and the impactful implementation of ICT projects within their communities.
As the event concluded, Jessraf Palmares, President of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, expressed gratitude to the City Government of Baguio and its ICT council for hosting CLICkConEx. He commended their pioneering efforts in driving smart innovations nationwide, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the digital future of the Philippines.
The DICT is committed to ensuring digital inclusivity, aiming to bridge the gap and ensure that all segments of society benefit from the ongoing digital transformation. Through various initiatives and programmes, the DICT seeks to empower individuals and communities across the Philippines, particularly those in underserved areas, by providing access to digital tools, resources, and opportunities, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.
OpenGov Asia reported that the DICT launched a comprehensive series of initiatives in Eastern Visayas aimed at revolutionising education and technological infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring digital inclusivity.
Key among these initiatives is the Universal Internet Subscription for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (UISGIDA) programme, which includes the establishment of 183 free Wi-Fi sites and 129 Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development (Tech4ED) centres.
These efforts seek to bridge the digital divide by providing access to digital resources and skills training, empowering communities to participate in the digital economy. Additionally, the inauguration of new DICT offices and the deployment of emergency telecommunication satellite facilities further underscore the department’s commitment to inclusive development and disaster resilience.
Reflecting on these initiatives, DICT officials emphasise the transformative impact of connectivity in driving positive change and fostering community empowerment, signalling a promising future for digital advancement in the region.
The DICT is driving nationwide progress by empowering local communities, ensuring digital inclusivity across the Philippines. Initiatives like the DIRECT Programme foster digital literacy and economic growth in rural areas and epitomise its commitment to collaborative efforts for equitable access to digital opportunities. With transformative initiatives underway, the DICT is paving the way for a more inclusive and connected future.
