ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – A total of over 1,800 students from five prominent higher education institutions in the city took part in the “Campus Connect School Caravan”, aimed at bridging digital divides and promoting youth involvement in information and communications technology (ICT).
The inaugural campaign visited the campuses of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ), and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST).
This initiative, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), forms part of its flagship Campus Connect program – an engaging campaign focused on youth that fosters digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and access to digital government services.
Informative sessions and interactive forums provided students with essential insights into ICT career opportunities and the future of digital innovation in the Philippines.
Regional Director Cheryl Ortega emphasized the range of programs showcased through the caravan—including Startups and Digital Career Pathways, ICT Literacy and Competency Programs, Cybersecurity Awareness, and the eGov Super App—underscoring that “technology is not just a tool — it is a catalyst for change.”
“With the right mindset, you can harness its power to create solutions that tackle real-world challenges and uplift communities. Together, we are building the foundation for a digitally inclusive and innovative Philippines,” she said.
Building on the success of its launch, Campus Connect is now being rolled out in schools throughout the broader Zamboanga Peninsula and the BASULTA areas (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi). This expansion reflects DICT’s strong commitment to the national #DigitalBayanihan initiative led by Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, who asserted, “Walang Pilipinong Maiiwan Offline!”
As the campaign progresses, it aspires to keep motivating youth to innovate fearlessly and engage responsibly, thus laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally empowered Philippines. (EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA/Details from the Department of Information and Communications Technology 9 and BASULTA)
