CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-10 has initiated various programs such as digital literacy training, free WiFi, and cyber security awareness to bridge the digital divide.
“There is still a big gap,” said Sittie Rahma Alawi, DICT-10 regional director, in an episode of Talakayan sa PIA up close and personal at SM CDO Downtown Premier.
To say that there is no more digital divide would mean all communities are inclusive and are able to access modern information and communications technology (ICT), but for now, there are lots of areas with no internet or people who don’t know how to use a mouse, the director said.
“If we are given a budget, we can double those initiatives,” she added.
In the region, DICT-10 has implemented Localized Accessible Knowledge and Inclusive Platform (LAKIP), a localized learning management system (LMS) aimed at providing a diverse range of courses thoughtfully translated into the Bisaya dialect.
The program was launched last February in partnership with the city government of Cagayan de Oro. Currently, the department has partnered with the Philippine Army to pilot 30 students. “So, we are targeting this month until next month, five communities here in Region 10,” Alawi said.
First, DICT provided StarLinks to the five communities, and the LGUs’ support will help sustain those communities in terms of knowledge building.
One of the department’s initiatives is to create a smart village in the region, particularly in Barangay Dalinga in the Municipality of Clarin, where rebels used to live.
Alawi reported that upon arrival, they had to walk due to the broken road. She walked for two hours to reach the area because she wanted to see it. They then provided internet access to the area.
“The area had one school with no gadgets and no telco. They were so happy when we provided the wi-fi. They are now able to use the technology of voice-over wi-fi,” she added.
DICT-10 then built a level-one digital transformation center in the area with a total of 10 computers as a start.
“We are really monitoring the area, and then the next initiative we have for that is that we are going to provide telemedicine and make the barangay a smart village,” the director shared.
Barangay Dalinga in Clarin is a pilot area for smart villages in Misamis Occidental. Currently, DICT is working with their partners to provide telemedicine, where the community can already get a medical consultation via the digital platform.
This year’s theme for the National ICT Month, “Bayang Digital, Bagong Pilpinas,” is envisioned for the Philippines as Bayang Digital, where Filipinos are connected, where government efficiency and productivity are enabled by technology, and where Filipinos and cyberspace are safe and secure.
“This is where opportunities for innovation and for Filipinos are boundless,” Alawi said.
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1521 series of 2008, the commission of ICT, then and now DICT, leads the country in commemorating every month of June, annually, to celebrate the National ICT Month.
This is in consideration of Section 24 of Article 2 of the Constitution, which recognizes ICT as a vital role in nation-building. (JMOR/PIA-10)
