QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Barangay Baganihan, located in the Marilog District of Davao, is one of the Philippines’ Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) facing significant challenges, including a lack of Internet connectivity and ICT infrastructure.
In a concerted effort to address these issues, the country’s Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) has partnered with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to provide digital skills training for the local community, primarily composed of indigenous peoples.
The initiative included train-the-trainer and citizens’ training sessions aimed at empowering community leaders, women entrepreneurs, and youth from the Matigsalug, Manobo, and Lumad tribes.
Participants were introduced to the Cisco Networking Academy and HP-LIFE platforms, gaining foundational knowledge in using computers and mobile devices, understanding cybersecurity, and acquiring digital business skills.
This training program is part of the DTC Initiative, funded by the Government of Norway and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the project “Boosting Digital Skills through Digital Transformation Centres.”
The initiative aims to enhance digital capacities in underserved communities.
PLDT-Smart, a subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and a partner in the DTC Initiative, collaborated with DICT to provide devices and data support for the training beneficiaries. Instructors from DICT facilitated the sessions and will continue to engage with participants as they apply their new skills.
Launched in September 2019, the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative, in partnership with Cisco, aims to strengthen the digital capabilities of citizens in underserved communities. Selected DTCs become part of a global network designed to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and support young entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the digital economy. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
