DICT-10, DTI, and LGU Catarman launch the DigiPay Initiative at Dininggasan Tourism Complex, empowering MSMEs and vendors with digital payment solutions, March 21. (Photo courtesy of DICT-Camiguin)
CATARMAN, Camiguin (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Northern Mindanao in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the local government of Catarman, launched the DigiPay Initiative, a pilot digital payment system in the region, March 21.
“We are in the digitalization era, and I hope sa mga businesses diri ato na gyud ni siyang i-adopt for easy transaction kay sa akong nakita daghan na mga foreigners diri nga ga-engage diri every weekend,” said Mayor Kiterio Antonio Palarca.
(We are in the digitalization era, and I hope our local businesses will adopt this for easier transactions, especially since I’ve seen many foreigners engaging here every weekend.)
He noted that the local government has been an advocate for business digitalization to improve local commerce, especially in tourism.
The DigiPay Initiative, introduced at the Dininggasan Tourism Complex, aims to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), vendors, and local entrepreneurs with digital payment tools to improve transaction efficiency and promote financial inclusion.
The system enables electronic payments through QR codes and fund transfers, reducing reliance on cash transactions. Free public Wi-Fi was also provided at the complex to support seamless digital transactions.
DTI Camiguin will also establish an e-commerce kiosk to assist vendors with cash-in and cash-out transactions.
The launch event included a digital literacy training to educate attendees on e-commerce, digital payments, cyber hygiene, and online security.
DICT Camiguin Provincial Officer James Sagocsoc reiterated the DICT’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation, saying, “As we move forward with DigiPay and our broader digitalization efforts, let me reiterate our commitment: We are on a journey of progress, and walay bisan usa nga mahabilin in this Digital Era” (no one will be left behind in this Digital Era).”
With the DigiPay Initiative, Sagocsoc said Catarman is set to become a model for business digitalization and financial inclusivity. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
