The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Eastern Visayas has launched a state-of-the-art digital roadmap for Tacloban City at the Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions to equip its residents with advanced digital skills.
The initiative aims to provide more digital opportunities, helping individuals develop their unique talents and encouraging them to explore various career paths.
The city’s profile and strategic programs can be accessed in the roadmap to serve as an emergence on improved infrastructure, business growth, and digital workforce development.
“To open up opportunities for all skills, digital jobs should be extended nationwide, especially to cities that have potential talents. Particularly here in Tacloban City, we need collaboration platforms and ecosystem builders,” said Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, undersecretary for ICT Industry Development.
Improved infrastructures
Tacloban City, recognized as the only highly-urbanized city in the region and ranked as the 20th digital city in the country, has seen significant infrastructure improvements.
The city’s transport infrastructure operates around the clock, strengthened through interagency alliances among local and regional government units. Tacloban has also become more accessible to major metro areas via land and air, ensuring seamless connectivity and enhancing its geographic appeal.
To maintain such progress, Imelda Andales, a representative from the Regional Development Council VIII, mentioned that a cross-sectoral approach is now being implemented to introduce direct boat trips and international flights from Tacloban City.
Business growth
Andales also highlighted how these developments can attract more technology-based businesses and promote Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST).
As Tacloban City serves as the regional hub for trade, commerce, and social services, this will further support local communities by providing IT equipment and enhancing digital literacy.
Digital workforce development
Andale’s further emphasized that the city’s diverse educational programs are well-positioned to meet the demands of the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector.
With advanced telecommunications infrastructure, Tacloban City is equipped to maintain service continuity even when traditional sources are down.
Transformation efforts
During the launching of the Tacloban ICT Roadmap on September 10, various recommendations and transformation program plans were shared among government agencies, non-government organizations, and academe.
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla stressed the importance of observing the needs of the community to boost competencies.
“Technology is now moving at a lightning speed, yet people intend to only focus on those in line with their daily lives and interests. Our challenge now is to make sure that we can actually sensibly use them,” Petilla said.
For more details on the Tacloban ICT Roadmap and other selected cities nationwide, you can check the following link: https://dict.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Digital-Cities-2025-Primer.pdf.
In an era where technology plays a crucial role in driving digital innovation, the roadmap represents a commitment to fostering digital community involvement, transitioning to a new digital ecosystem, and paving the way for a more connected future. (JKPA, PIA Leyte)
