ICT Industry Development Bureau

𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗦 In a committed endeavor to foster inclusive and sustainable ICT development across the country, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) conducted an Enhanced Institutional Development Workshop under the Digital Cities Program in the Province of Batanes on July 18, 2024 at the Batanes Provincial Capitol in Basco. DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue emphasized the importance of digital jobs in the current economy, urging Batanes to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. She highlighted that digital jobs offer a unique advantage in today's world, enabling individuals to find employment and work from any location. Despite being designated as a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area, Governor Marilou Cayco, represented by Provincial Administrator Justine Jericho Socito, expressed profound gratitude to the DICT for including Batanes in its programs; emphasizing the importance of ICT development in significantly enhancing community services and strengthening Batanes' reputation as a premier tourist destination. Basco Municipal Mayor German Caccam, represented by Sangguniang Bayan Member Francisco Castillo, conveyed his support for the DICT initiatives, expressing satisfaction at seeing these efforts come to fruition. He affirmed the importance of the program in expanding digital development to high-potential municipalities and emphasized the necessity of such initiatives to ensure wider reach and access for the local population. The Institutional Development Workshop is one of the main interventions under the Digital Cities Program, aimed at empowering local communities by establishing ICT Councils. These councils play a key role in advancing ICT development and fostering the growth of ICT-enabled industries in their regions, equipping them to effectively champion digital initiatives and build sustainable digital ecosystems. Following the institutional development workshop, the DICT organized a Digital Careers Expo on July 19, 2024, at the Batanes State College Amphitheater, showcasing local and global market opportunities in various ICT-enabled industries, particularly the online freelancing sector.

𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 With the goal of recognizing the exceptional efforts of 19 digital cities with launched roadmaps under the Digital Cities Program, the DICT successfully hosted the first Digital Cities Awards 2024 on July 24, 2024, at the Fili Hotel in Kawit Island, Cebu City. This landmark event, held in conjunction with Contact Islands 2024 from July 24-26, hosted by the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), provided a prestigious platform for these cities to showcase their potential and engage with industry leaders and investors. These cities have demonstrated their commitment to becoming hubs for IT-BPM investment, significantly contributing to job creation and revenue generation. This significantly aligns with the primary goal of the Digital Cities Program, which aims to drive economic growth and development throughout the countryside. The event was graced by an inspiring keynote address from DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who acknowledged the unwavering efforts of both government and private sector partners in building technology-driven communities. “Through this initiative, all of us are not just building digital cities; we are also building communities where technology and innovation thrive, where jobs and opportunities are boundless, and where every Filipino can dream and achieve,” she added.        Director Emmy Lou Delfin highlighted the remarkable journey of the digital cities, noting their transformation from the Next Wave Cities initiative that began in 2007. She celebrated the impressive progress each city has made in becoming digital leaders, setting new standards, and inspiring others. Delfin underscored how the hard work and innovation of these cities have significantly impacted their communities, emphasizing the importance of their milestones. IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid delivered a call to action on why investors should consider investing in these cities. He emphasized that these cities are not merely hubs of technology but are also epicenters of innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. "The digital cities provide the necessary environment for businesses to thrive, communities to flourish, and for innovation to continue seamlessly in the countryside," Madrid stated. The event culminated with a networking session that facilitated sharing and collaboration with more than 500 attendees including industry experts and international industry partners. Among the recognized digital cities were Antipolo City, Balanga City, Batangas City, City of San Fernando (LU), General Santos City, Iligan City, Iriga City, Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, Roxas City, City of San Fernando (PAM), Tagbilaran City, Taytay, Tuguegarao City, Zamboanga City, Dagupan City, Cabanatuan City, Laoag City, and Malolos City.

IIDB is HIRING! The DICT’s ICT Industry Development Bureau is looking for (1) Project Development Officer II and (2) Project Development Officer I. Interested in transforming the digital industry with us? Send your CV, Portfolio, and Letter of Intent (addressed to Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin - Director IV of the ICT Industry Development Bureau) through the following link: Project Development Officer II: bit.ly/IIDBED-PDO2 Project Development Officer I: bit.ly/IIDBED-PDO1 The deadline for Applications is on August 2, 2024, 6:00 PM. For any questions or concerns, please email us at iidbed@dict.gov.ph

Let’s hear some feedback from our participants at the ASCEND: Digital Workers to Digital Agency Owners learning session held at the Sen. Edgardo J. Angara Convention Center in Baler, Aurora last June 14, 2024. The ASCEND learning sessions are designed to empower Filipino online freelancers with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their digital careers and become business owners. Featuring freelancers who have successfully transitioned to entrepreneurs, these sessions offer valuable insights and first-hand experiences, illustrating their journeys from freelancing to building thriving digital agencies and homegrown BPOs. ASCEND is part of the EDGE PH program, which aims to foster growth in the online freelancing industry and promote entrepreneurship, helping Filipino online freelancers elevate their careers. #DigitalAgency #OnlineFreelancing #EDGEPH

𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐨'𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: “𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮" Kablaaw, Baguio City! The "Bayang Digital Ang Bagong Pilipinas" DICT Regional Roadshow 2024 had its fourth stop in the vibrant Summer Capital of the Philippines from June 20 to 21, 2024. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Congressman Marquez Go led the opening ceremony, with enthusiastic participation from residents from the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The event aimed to bring DICT programs and services closer to the community. Mayor Magalong highlighted the city's strong partnership with DICT, emphasizing the collective vision of a truly digital nation. He added that under the leadership of Secretary Uy, DICT's presence in Baguio has become more pronounced and felt by the city residents. "I remember talking to your ICT team here in Baguio, about two and a half years ago. I was very direct and I gave a very short message to them, 'I cannot feel you.' After two and a half years, Mr. Secretary, I’m glad to say and proud to say that you are overwhelming us. We can now feel you," Mayor Magalong said. Congressman Go expressed gratitude for the roadshow's arrival in Baguio, a hub for education, commerce, and livelihood, and pledged support for DICT's digitization efforts. "Let me express my support to DICT by ensuring that they become successful in their effort to digitize our country," Representative Go said. Secretary Uy underscored the roadshow's goal of making DICT's initiatives accessible, showcasing advancements in eGovernance, connectivity, and upskilling. "The DICT Regional Roadshow underscores our dedication to making our programs accessible to our stakeholders. We aim for our fellow citizens to recognize that DICT's projects and initiatives are woven into their everyday experiences," Secretary Uy said. The launch of the CAR Wireless Network Project was a significant highlight of the event, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and bridging the digital divide. The event included a town hall meeting led by Secretary Uy and other DICT officials, addressing future plans and regional concerns. Breakout sessions covered topics like AI, cybersecurity, eGovernment, and data privacy, making the two-day event informative and engaging.

Last July 21, the DICT-IIDB launched their first Startup Grant Fund Cohort at the Google Headquarters Philippines with 11 startups receiving more than PHP 9 MILLION in total to support their individual projects. If you are a startup, then you can be our next grantee! Apply for the next cohort while it is still open. For more information, check out our brief SGF PRESENTATION here: https://lnkd.in/gusVX95x ##DICTCohort2StartupGrantFund2024 #DICTStartupGrantFund #SGF2024

We're gearing up for the Philippine Online Freelancing Conference 2024 in Legazpi City, Albay this September and we want to hear from you! Share your insights to help us understand the needs and trends of online freelancers in the Philippines, especially in Region 5. Your feedback is essential in creating an impactful and relevant event for our online freelancing community. Take the survey by scanning the QR code or visit bit.ly/POFCon2024-Survey #POFCon2024 #LegazpiCity #OnlineFreelancingPH #DICTRegion5 #DICTIIDB #EDGEPH

The DICT Startup Grant Fund Cohort 2 Application is now open! What are you waiting for? Submit now! 🚀 #DICTCohort2StartupGrantFund2024 #DICTStartupGrantFund #SGF2024

𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 In our commitment to future-proofing the nation's workforce and fostering globally competitive Filipino talents, we are excited to announce that the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for ICT-related industries is now available for download! The PSF serves as a technical guide for the government, academe, and industries to design training programs and courses that will prepare the Filipino workforce and enhance overall competitiveness. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) spearheaded its development, specifically for contact center and business process management, healthcare information management services, global in-house centers, software development, and data analytics and artificial intelligence.  Download the Philippine Skills Framework today and join us in empowering the future of the Filipino workforce! Scan the QR Code below or access them via this link: https://bit.ly/DICTPSF #PhilippineSkillsFramework

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟐 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧! Innovators, grab the opportunity and send in your applications now for the chance to join the selection of startups that will be considered for the grant of PHP500,000 up to PHP1 MILLION. Submit your applications here: https://lnkd.in/g2G99FcZ Deadline of submission is July 31, 2024 For your reference, you can check out the proposal templates here: bit.ly/SGF2024Templates Want to know more about SGF? Feel free to contact us through our email at startupgrant@dict.gov.ph #DICTCohort2StartupGrantFund2024 #DICTStartupGrantFund #SGF2024