Photo courtesy of DICT Region V-Bicol
NAGA CITY (PIA) – City Mayor Nelson Legacion said around 28,000 jobs are expected to be created in 2028 through the Information Technology- Business Process Management (IT-BMP) sector.
Speaking before information communication technology (ICT) enthusiasts, government stakeholders, private organizations, and ICT councils from various municipalities in the Bicol region, said the city currently has 8,000 employees in the IT-BMP sector.
“With the very competent and eager undersecretary for ICT Industry Development of DICT providing us with the necessary support and guidance, I am pretty confident that we can create an additional 20, 000 full-time jobs generated by our projected investment growth here in our city.”
“That will bring the total number of jobs to around 28,000 thereby qualifying the city of Naga as a Center of Excellence,” Legacion said during the opening of the Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions (RISE) 5at the Fr. Godofredo Alingal Building, Ateneo De Naga University Main Campus here.
Legacion said that he has talked with business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to provide employment to the growing population of young professionals who can navigate various digital platforms and emerging technologies with ease.
Legacion also confirmed the commitment of VINTAZK Outsourcing founder and CEO Jervil Omaga, to bring her company to Naga.
One of the event’s participants, 23-year-old Dante Joson, a native of Virac, Catanduanes, said that he attended the 3-day Digital Careers Expo in Naga City to enhance his knowledge of information and communication technology.
“I am an introvert, so I prefer ‘talking’ to my computer all day rather than going out. I think I feel more comfortable when I’m working on my own while exploring many possibilities in the digital world. The positive side is, mas na e-express ko sarili ko,” Joson said.
Now in his 4th year as an Electronics Engineering student at Ateneo de Naga, Joson added that ICT offers a wide range of options to earn a living and allows individuals the flexibility to work from home.
Saralyn S. Maqueses, a 23-year-old 4th year engineering student at the Naga College Foundation (NCF), said she wants to know about other digital careers and learn various ways to earn money utilizing the power of information and communication technology.
“I worked in the call center before and explored other jobs as well. I came here to see if there are options and other insights that I should learn or skills that I should hone to be an expert in this field,” Marqueses added.
DICT Region 5 OIC Regional Director Rachel Ann P. Grabador believes in the power of technology and the vast possibilities that await the youth and those interested in ICT to transform their lives and drive economic growth.
“We aim to expose you to a wealth of ICT opportunities that will ignite your passion and drive your ambition. We want to ensure that all Filipino workers, starting with you, have access to training and opportunities that meet global standards, fostering a culture of digital innovation and entrepreneurship. We are excited to see you become the future leaders and innovators in the digital world,” Grabador stated.
Grabador said that DICT’s RISE event endeavors to showcase not just the local market but to attract global market opportunities in various ICT-enabled industries. It includes the IT-BPM industry and emerging technologies. She encouraged online freelancers and the creative industry to engage in digital careers.
“By engaging in digital careers, you can benefit from higher income potential and help elevate the Philippines’ position in the global economy. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Philippine digital workforce, driving innovation and economic growth throughout the country. Thank you, and let’s make this event a resounding success,” she said.
The recently concluded RISE event of DICT 5 aligns with the celebration of the 2024 National Celebration of DICT National ICT Month with the theme “Bayan Digital: Ang Bagong Pilipinas.” (LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur).
