ICT conference to boost countryside digital economy

By Danica Caballero

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) spearheaded the 8th leg of the Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibitions (CLICkCONEx) which took place at the Legazpi City Convention Center in Legazpi City, Albay from August 24 to 25.

The activity aims to boost and sustain the growth of the Information Technology and Business Process Management or IT-BPM industry in Luzon.

The annual event was conducted in partnership with the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and the Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions (CLICk) in cooperation with the Legazpi City IT & Electronic Commerce Council (LCITECC), Albay ICT Association (AICTA), and other stakeholders in government and private sectors.

“The DICT recognizes the importance of digitalization in empowering communities and transforming the lives of every Filipino. Our commitment remains steadfast in leveraging ICT as a catalyst of sustainable growth and inclusive development in the Philippine countryside,” DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy said in his speech.

Uy said that the DICT aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every individual can benefit from the opportunities presented by the digital age.

“By 2022, the IT-BPM industry recorded a revenue of $32 billion and produced 1.6 million jobs for all Filipinos,” Uy added.

He noted that 30 percent of the jobs created last year were in the countryside.

“The growth is testament to the transformative role of the IT-BPM industry in providing opportunities in our county,” he said.

Anchored on the theme, “Igniting Countryside Digital Economy through MAGIC: Modernization. Access. Governance. Innovation. Connection,” the event sought to create a working synergy for the regions in Luzon in ICT development and collaboration between the ICT councils and their respective regional development councils and regional line agencies.

The event convened the country’s experts, associations, government agencies, along with a group of speakers, to discuss the current and future state of blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IT-BPM industries in the Philippines.

It is also has opened doors for business networking and collaboration among stakeholders. (PIA5/DDC)