The National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Bataan ICT Development Council Inc., and the city government of Balanga, kicked-off the 16th NICP National ICT Summit at the Bataan People’s Center.
The three-day event offers a packed agenda with keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to advance the country’s ICT sector and build meaningful connections among stakeholders.
During the summit, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reducing the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
“At the DICT, we are focused on bridging the digital divide through digital transformation. By empowering the countryside, we aim to develop resilient innovation hubs that will boost local economies and improve the lives of Filipinos,” Uy said.
He highlighted the achievements of the IT and Business Process Management sector, which is expected to create 2.5 million jobs and generate nearly US$60 billion in revenue by 2028, with over half of those opportunities projected for rural regions.
“Progress must not revolve around Manila alone—it must benefit all Filipinos,” he added.
Uy announced the inclusion of six new digital cities—Bacoor, Calamba, General Trias, Los Baños, Olongapo, and Tarlac—into the national roster of 25 digital cities. These areas have demonstrated their readiness for innovation and inclusive growth through their ICT roadmaps.
“These cities are positioning themselves as emerging centers for innovation, investment, and growth. Expanding our digital cities list strengthens our commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide with robust ICT infrastructure,” Uy noted.
He also recognized Balanga City’s economic achievements, citing its projected revenue of over P1 billion for 2024, which positions it as the 10th most competitive city in the country.
Balanga has transformed from an agricultural hub into a thriving technology center by focusing on education, innovation, and partnerships.
In addition, NICP President Jessraf Palmares emphasized the organization’s vision of becoming a unified advocate for countryside ICT industry development.
He described this vision as a collective promise to turn the Philippines into a progressive, technology-driven nation.
“This reflects our commitment to reshaping the technological landscape and ensuring ICT benefits reach all parts of the archipelago. We’re not just bridging the digital divide—we’re building pathways to a future where opportunities are accessible to all Filipinos,” Palmares said.
He reiterated NICP’s mission to attract investment, share knowledge, and transform the Philippines into a globally competitive service provider.
“NICP stands united in our vision and mission. Together, we are shaping regions, creating futures, and driving the Philippines forward through ICT. The future we aspire to is achievable, starting with the actions we take today,” he added.
Furthermore, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III expressed gratitude for hosting the summit in Bataan, emphasizing ICT’s critical role in driving economic development.
He outlined provincial initiatives such as the Community-Based Monitoring System, Electronic Medical Records, and solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations as evidence of the province’s commitment to technology-driven governance and sustainability.
While acknowledging the challenges in digital transformation, Garcia remained optimistic about overcoming these barriers through collaboration and effective strategies.
“Our digital journey may not be as swift as that of industrialized societies, but we are on the right path to a future without a digital divide, especially in remote areas,” he said.
Likewise, Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia also highlighted Balanga’s efforts to integrate technology with education.
As a UNESCO learning city, Balanga has launched initiatives like the Barangay Learning Hub, which enhances digital access for communities, particularly children.
“With 21 Barangay Learning Hubs now recognized as DICT Tech4Ed Centers, we have significantly addressed the digital divide in our communities and improved access to technology for our constituents,” he said.
The mayor emphasized the summit’s role in fostering innovative solutions and partnerships to address the challenges of digital transformation.
“Let this summit inspire meaningful discussions, actionable strategies, and enduring partnerships. Together, we can bridge regions and shape the future through the power of ICT,” he added.
Themed “Bridging Regions, Building Futures: The Power of ICT in Philippine Development,” this year’s summit serves as a crucial platform for driving digital transformation nationwide.
By uniting government, industry, and community stakeholders, the event reinforces the country’s commitment to leveraging ICT for economic growth and inclusive development. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)