BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) remains steadfast in its commitment to bring development to the grassroots using information and communication technology, as it continues to strengthen ICT capabilities of local government units, and ICT councils.

DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue underscored the significance of ICT councils during the Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibition 2024 (CLICkConEx) held at the Baguio City Convention Center on April 16-18, 2024.

Sigue said the creation of an ICT council will pool a responsible segment of society in creating local ecosystems with ready talent, infrastructure, and business environment for the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) sector, and other digital opportunities presented by the digital age. 

She added that ICT councils are vital in addressing challenges like cybersecurity, digital literacy gaps and the digital divide.

One DICT program that directly affects stakeholders, even those in the countryside is the Digital Innovation for Regional Ecosystem and Countryside Transformation (DIRECT) Program. Under this program are the Regional ICT Summits and Exhibitions (RISE), Digital Career Expo (province wide ICT jobs fair), Digital Communities Plus (capacitating LGU ecosystems), D4D Summits (Data for Development Programs), and the Digital Inclusion Programs (DIWA and Generation Connect Philippines), according to Sigue.

DICT Industry Development Bureau Director Emmy Lou Delfin also shared that under the National ICT Development Agenda 2023-2028, empowering LGUs to use ICT to provide better services to the people and boosting local economic growth are the priorities of President Marcos. 

With the theme, “Pioneering Innovation in ICT for a Smarter Tomorrow,” the CLICkConEx highlighted collaborative innovation of government agencies, business sectors, educational institutions, and organizations  to harness the power of technology in advancing ICT in the countryside. 

It also showcased Luzon cities and Baguio City’s continuing efforts to become smart cities, and in taking the lead in digital transformation to influence the whole Cordillera, and neighboring areas.