With the convergence of over 300 members of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) councils, national government agencies, academe, industries, and other stakeholders nationwide, the 15th National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) Summit unfolded its transformative narrative in this city.
Focused on fostering synergy through Making Academe, Government, and Industry Collaboration (MAGIC) for sustainable innovation, the summit aimed to advance digital innovation, enhance digital governance, and empower the digital workforce.
The NICP spearheaded the summit in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the city government of Iligan.
The summit featured insightful panel sessions that covered topics such as exploring self-development strategies tailored for aspiring digital champions, the evolution of digital cities, and the exploration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics.
Iligan City holds special significance as the birthplace of the inaugural NICP Summit. The NICP was established in 2008 by 10 ICT Councils originating from Metro Clark, Legazpi, Quezon, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iligan, and General Santos. NICP serves as the national platform for collaboration, fosters the growth of member organizations through the exchange of best practices, and acts as the collective voice for ICT in the country.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy emphasizes the government’s commitment to building a digitally empowered nation. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Unlocking digital frontiers
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy acknowledged the pivotal role of local ICT councils and advocates in shaping the ICT landscape, both in urban and rural areas. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to building a digitally empowered nation through programs like the Digital Cities Program, focusing on institutional development, talent attraction, infrastructure, and marketing.
Furthermore, Uy said the summit in Iligan City symbolizes the city’s potential as an information technology and business process management industry hub, positioning Northern Mindanao at the forefront of digital transformation.
“We envision this summit as an opportunity not just for networking and knowledge sharing but as a catalyst for change. It is also an annual reminder for us to take a stand on how far we have come in fulfilling the promise to digitalize our country and the work that needs to be done to further deepen the collaboration of industry, civil society, academe, and government,” he said.
The DICT secretary also highlighted the unique opportunity with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as a digital champion who truly understands ICT’s transformative impact. He also underscored the importance of adapting to emerging technologies like IoT, blockchain, and AI, emphasizing the need for upskilling.
He also pointed out the country’s advantage of having a young, tech-literate population. He also shared that the government is investing in digital transformation centers and training programs for cybersecurity and other technologies.
Championing ICT-based countryside development
DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue highlighted five significant aspects driving their participation in the NICP summit. The summit served as a symbolic homecoming, expressing gratitude to NICP founders for their contributions to the organization’s growth from 10 ICT councils in 2008 to over 100 today.
Additionally, it acted as a reflective reminder of NICP’s initial mission in 2008 to champion ICT countryside development and encouraged a return to the organization’s foundational spirit. The new ICT councils were also encouraged to continue the legacy.
Furthermore, the spotlight was on Iligan, acknowledging its role as a digital freelancing capital and one of the 25 digital cities listed by DICT. Batapa-Sigue also advocated for collaboration, investment in human talent, and the strategic use of technology for the growth of cities and communities.
DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue highlights five significant aspects driving their participation in the NICP summit. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
“This event is a homecoming, a reminder for all of us, a challenge, a chance to also help Iligan and the whole of Mindanao, and to know new opportunities where we can all help our cities and communities grow,” she said.
Furthermore, Batapa-Sigue also shared the significant milestones that the new administration has achieved within 15 months. One notable accomplishment is the long-awaited approval of the Philippines Skills Framework, encompassing various sectors such as healthcare information, contact centers, global in-house centers, super development, and data analytics and intelligence, which is set to be completed by next month.
Additionally, 10 startups have been selected to receive up to P1 million each, signaling a positive development in supporting entrepreneurial ventures in the country.
According to Iligan Mayor Frederick Siao, collaboration among academia, government, and industry is essential for development.
“The 15th NICP Summit Iligan 2023 is a unique opportunity to set the stage for a more collaborative, innovative, and sustainable future. By fostering synergy among academia, government, and industry, we can overcome the challenges of today and shape the technological landscape of tomorrow,” he said.
Iligan Mayor Frederick Siao underscores the importance of collaboration among academia, government, and industry for development. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Digital aspirations and collaborative success
Participants at the NICP Summit conveyed gratitude for the invaluable support received and shared insights into the booming ICT industry in their respective areas.
Nur Fahad Dimacisil, representing the ICT Council of Cotabato City, shared their aspiration to transform into a digital city, as it could attract business opportunities, especially in the IT industry, and generate more jobs. He mentioned the city’s plan to craft a “super citizen” application that will enable residents to report incidents easily.
Expressing gratitude for the support from DICT, Dimacisil mentioned their cooperative relationship, especially in DICT’s initiative to position Cotabato City as a leading digital city in the BARMM area. He highlighted various programs and initiatives, such as free WiFi, Tech4Ed, and digital marketing and education programs, that DICT is actively collaborating on with the city.
Meanwhile, DICT Regions Calabarzon and Mimaropa Director Cherry Ortega shared the challenges and successes of her region. Despite the connectivity challenges in Mimaropa’s island provinces, efforts have been made to provide internet connectivity services through the “Free Wi-Fi for All” program of DICT, ensuring that no one is left behind.
She also highlighted the pioneering role of DICT Calabarzon in the joint memorandum among DICT, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government in encouraging the establishment of ICT councils in local government units. She hopes that this will be replicated across the country.
“ICT is a universal technology, but its application will depend on an island group’s perspective. What can be applied in my region has not been applied in other regions. In that way, if there is an information exchange, we get to learn from each other, collaborate, and network. From there, bright ideas and new ideas can emerge, and we can eventually work together again,” she said.
Meanwhile, Michelle King, corporate secretary of ICT Davao City, highlighted the booming ICT industry, attributing its success to NICP. She pledged continued support for NICP and emphasized the importance of collaboration among different ICT councils.
The 15th NICP Summit served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the digital realm. The shared commitment to shaping a brighter digital future among participants fostered a synergy that will contribute to the continued growth of the ICT sector in the country. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Nur Fahad Dimacisil, representing the ICT Counci of Cotabato City, shares their aspiration to transform into a digital city. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
DICT Regions Calabarzon and Mimaropa Director Cherry Ortega shares the challenges and successes of her region in terms of ICT. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Michelle King, corporate secretary of ICT Davao City, highlights the booming ICT industry attributing its success to NICP. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Meanwhile, Michelle King, corporate secretary of ICT Davao City, highlighted the booming ICT industry attributing its success to NICP. She pledged continued support for NICP and emphasized the importance of collaboration among different ICT councils.
The 15th NICP Summit served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the digital realm. The shared commitment to shaping a brighter digital future among participants fostered a synergy that will contribute to the continued growth of the ICT sector in the country. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
