Digital transformation is a key priority for the Philippine government, but achieving maturity in this space requires expertise, infrastructure and strategic execution. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by Novare, a digital transformation company specializing in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise solutions. The discussions at the event provided valuable insights into the role of technology service providers in modernizing government and business operations.
Given its experience in assisting both enterprises and public sector institutions, Novare is positioning itself to contribute to the country’s digitalization efforts. However, working with the government presents unique challenges, from outdated systems and bureaucratic hurdles to cybersecurity concerns and digital skills gaps. Addressing these obstacles requires a deep understanding of both technology and governance.
During the event, several key resource persons shared insights that highlight both the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in the Philippines. Victor Silvino, chief executive officer (CEO) of Novare, described the company’s strategic vision for expansion, emphasizing that digital transformation is not just about upgrading technology but also about ensuring that modernization efforts drive real impact in government operations and public services. He explained that the acquisition of Appistoki allows Novare to enhance its expertise in customer relationship management (CRM) and strategic consulting, which will be vital for streamlining public sector processes and improving service delivery.
Abhijeet Kulkarni, CEO of Appistoki, elaborated on how this acquisition strengthens Novare’s ability to serve existing clients and reach new market segments. He highlighted the development of Salesforce accelerators that can be piloted with government agencies to drive efficiency and data-driven decision-making. His vision is to double product numbers in the coming years to increase revenue while helping government agencies modernize workflows and automate service management.
William Yu, Novare’s chief technology officer, emphasized that talent transforms technology, noting that a lack of digital skills is one of the biggest barriers to transformation. He discussed how the company is investing in a dedicated business unit for digital transformation in government, which will focus on upskilling public sector employees and promoting Salesforce adoption in government institutions. He also introduced the company’s latest collaborative initiative—GPU-as-a-Service, which supports self-hosted AI models and provides stronger governance and security measures for organizations adopting artificial intelligence in their operations.
Mai de Guzman, Novare’s human resource manager, reinforced the company’s commitment to workforce development, noting that intentional investments in training programs are key to ensuring that government institutions and enterprises have continuous access to competent IT professionals. She stressed that the company is not only helping agencies transition to new technologies but also ensuring that the people operating them have the necessary skills and expertise to sustain long-term digital adoption.
(To be continued…)