Senior citizens receive digital literacy training on cybersecurity and eGovernment services through a DICT Regional Office IX and BASULTA initiative on March 13. (Photo Courtesy of DICT-9)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Zambasulta region aims to bridge the digital divide, promote inclusivity and inspire more women to pursue careers in the fields of information and communications technology (ICT) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
DICT is supporting Women’s Month activities through a month long calendar of events designed to equip women from various sectors with essential digital skills. These include digital literacy training on ICT tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Productivity, eGovernment applications and Canva.
The Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) initiative offers techtalks and dialogues encouraging young women to explore careers in ICT and STEM. Technical training on robotics technology is also being offered to open opportunities for women in automation and programming. Cybersecurity awareness, digital parenting and anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children training sessions aim to protect young women, mothers and vulnerable populations from online threats.
DICT-9 Technical Operations Divisions Chief Engr. Jacob Mohammad shares initiatives and programs of DICT for the women’s month celebration during PIA Kapihan na Zamboanga at SM City Mindpro on March 12.
“We will continue to provide projects and services that will benefit the community and promote gender equality and empower women in building a sustainable digital future,” said Engineer Jacob Mohammad, DICT chief of its Technical Operations Divisions.
Project STEP UP (Startup-Tailored Empowerment and People-Focused Upskilling Project) is a startup acceleration program launching in the second half of 2025. The Startup Grant Fund (SGF) provides equity-free funding of up to P1 million for early-stage startups.
DICT also focuses on strengthening the role of local ICT councils in fostering digital innovation in their communities through specialized training programs.
The Smart Villages, Smart Islands (SVSI) Initiative is one of DICT’s flagship programs addressing digital gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Since its pilot in Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, SVSI has expanded to nine sites across the ZAMBASULTA region, bringing broadband connectivity, ICT-enabled services and digital literacy training to underserved communities.
Moreover, DICT has established 796 free WiFi sites with a 90% uptime operation, ensuring that women and other residents can stay connected. Complementing this is the growing network of Digital Transformation Centers (DTCs) and Tech4ED hubs, which provide learning resources and hands-on training for individuals interested in upskilling their ICT competencies.
Beyond Women’s Month, DICT remains committed to digital inclusion and ICT empowerment. With provincial offices strategically positioned in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the agency ensures that even the most remote communities have access to technology and connectivity. (MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
