THE Department of Information and Communications Technology in Central Visayas (DICT 7) showcased its projects and programs at the kick-off ceremony of the National ICT Month (NICTM) 2023 on Friday, June 2.
With the theme, "Connecting Communities, Enriching Lives, Forging a Digital Future for the Philippines," the DICT commemorated the NICTM’s 15th year through a nationwide launch of month-long activities aimed to boost the digital edge of the Filipinos.
"As we celebrate the ICT Month, we hope that this will be a mechanism by which we can really embrace technology in our everyday life so that we can be globally competitive," DICT 7 Regional Director Frederick Amores said.
"We are very lucky that the Philippines is one of the powerhouses when it comes to the outsourcing world. And that is one of the reasons why, economically, we survived the pandemic," Amores added.
The regional launch took place at the historical Fort San Pedro in Plaza Independencia where guests from different partners in both the public and private sectors expressed their support to the agency.
"Our activity is here at Fort San Pedro, where all of us decided to make history in a historic place because we hope that in the future, we look back to this event as one of those milestones in terms of digitalization of whatever aspect of life we are involved in,” Amores stated.
The ceremony was attended by public and private partners from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(MCCI).
During the launch, the regional office's calendar of activities was also presented.
"All those activities that have been lined up are very critical for our development and the growth of the region. All of us should support the initiatives of DICT 7," said DOST 7 Regional Director Engineer Jesus Zamora.
DTI 7 Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon also emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two agencies.
"DTI fully supports DICT and we are really pushing for more digital transformation to our micro, small and medium enterprises, and businesses, "Arbon said.
PCCI Regional Governor Melanie Ng expressed the importance of ICT in the industry.
"ICT is everywhere. We need ICT to thrive, to survive, transform ourselves and transform the economy to help our country, not only ourselves but help our country grow and prosper so I fully support the activities of DICT not only for the whole month but for the whole year," Ng asserted.
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trustee and Champion for Innovation Paulo Uy said they reaffirm their commitment to embracing technological advancements and leveraging them for the betterment of society.
"By nurturing partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry players we can collectively drive progress, spur economic growth and establish Cebu as a hub of technological excellence," he said.
Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Kelie Ko, commended the agency for its help to the city.
"It's clear that you are, number one, helping business. Number two, helping the government, and number three, you are also training the future workforce that will support both," he concluded.
DICT 7's Open House
Along with the launch, the DICT 7 also welcomed the public by displaying different digital inclusivity projects.
The long-running projects continue to provide connectivity for all citizens and digital knowledge to all communities, especially those from the marginalized sector.
Projects mentioned include Free Wifi For All, Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System (iBPLS), ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRM), Government Network (GovNet) and Cybersecurity.
Booths from telecommunication services like DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications were also present for sim registration services and assistance.
While the DICT continues its vision to boost digital connectivity, the agency aims to support the growing number of ICT opportunities and aid Filipinos in digitalization nationwide. (PR)