PAGADIAN CITY (PIA)—The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently met with representatives from various sectors to gather insights on how Filipinos define and experience digital empowerment.
Dubbed Digital Bayanihan Sensing Focus Group Discussion (FGD), the activity gathers working professionals, youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
Engr. Vermond S. Apostol, DICT Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Officer, outlines the objectives of Digital Bayanihan and identifies the perceived enablers and barriers to achieving a truly inclusive digital society.
DICT Provincial Officer Vermond S. Apostol said “DICT’s Digital Bayanihan is about helping the community become more capable and connected in the digital world.”
Among the common needs identified were accessible digital tools, localized skills training, and stable internet connectivity.
Participants emphasized that the importance of digital literacy is more than technical skills, it’s about inclusion, participation, and empowerment.
Regional PWD Federation President Miriam Acosta Llanos explained “this is an opportunity to express the willingness of the PWD sector to be introduced to the digital world to make them feel they ‘belong’ as a sector.”
Meanwhile, San Jose Senior Citizen Association and Federation Dante Q. Perez emphasized the necessity of senior citizens to embrace the digital era, pointing out the importance of them having digital communication skills for day-to-day operations.
“Padayon ang among pag-encourage sa among mga kauban nga tun-an ang paggamit sa cellphone aron maka-cope up mi sa dagan sa panahon,” Perez said.
(We always encourage our [senior citizen] members to learn how to use cellphones so we can keep up with the times.)
The DICT will use the FGD results to enhance its programs and projects, ensuring they are tailored-fit to the needs of all sectors in the Zamboanga Peninsula communities.
The DICT said that by promoting digital inclusion, empowering communities through technology, and strengthening digital literacy across the country – no Filipinos will be left behind. (EDT/CCP/PKG/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)
