Monday, October 29, 2007 LGU support for ICT needed to boost industry
RESULTS from the Mindanao-wide roadshows and consultations for the 6th Mindanao ICT Congress-1st BIMP-Eaga ICT Conference in September revealed that the information and communications technology (ICT) industry cannot flourish without strong support from the local government units.
Industry players in key cities in Mindanao cited the absence of a long term plan by the government, as well as the lack of support programs for education, human resource development, and vendor support for ICT development as some of the factors that prevent the ICT industry from sustaining its development momentum.
Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) vice chair Teresita Sebastian said the people also need to be exposed to simpler mechanisms for familiarity and appreciation.
Sebastian suggested that an actual industry awareness campaign be conducted.
"There is also an increasing call for the ICT players in the different cities to organize themselves and be an active advocacy body which shall advance ICT issues and concerns and shall complement the efforts of the local government," said Lizabel Holganza, congress director.
Andre Fournier, trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and ICT committee chair, said they will support any initiative of the local chambers in the formation of their own ICT cluster to increase the level of awareness and appreciation on the importance of ICT as well as boost the industry in the region.
The roadshows, a precursor to the 6th Mindanao ICT Congress and 1st BIMP-Eaga ICT Conference slated at NCCC Mall Convention Center on October 23-24, were held in Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, and General Santos City to promote both events, as well as to identify ICT issues in each region.
The ICT stakeholders in the various cities presented updates on ICT initiatives in their region and the actions to be done.
Some also presented their ICT scorecards, a method initiated by the Commission on ICT (CICT) during the previous year. ICT scorecards showed that lack of awareness on the part of the LGUs on the potentials of the ICT industry is one of the topmost concerns of the industry players.
While some regions have available power and infrastructure support and workforce potential, there remains a need to increase ICT awareness and appreciation especially among LGUs and local government officials.
At the roadshows, key regional officials from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Telecommunications Office (TCO), National Computer Center (NCC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed their support and signified their interest to participate in the two-day congress.
Industry players were also present during the roadshows, including representatives from the local chambers of commerce, telephone and mobile phone service providers, the academe, ICT organizations, software developers, computer retailers and internet caf‚ owners.
The issues and concerns gathered during the roadshows will be presented into congress action agenda and will be submitted during the congress proper to the Commission on ICT as well as other concerned government agencies for appropriate action. The congress resolutions shall likewise be elevated to the BIMP-Eaga counterparts.
The 6th MICT Congress-1st BIMP-Eaga ICT Conference Roadshow team was composed of representatives from ICT Davao, DCCCII, Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) and the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC).
The 6th Mindanao ICT Congress-1st BIMP-Eaga ICT Conference, with the theme "ICT Beyond Borders: People. Infrastructure. Innovation." is part of the EAGA weeklong activities which shall be culminating with the 15th Senior Officials Meeting-12th Ministers Meeting.
