DICT launches center towards digital empowerment

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With high hopes of bridging the digital divide and cater the needs of every Juan, the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICT now DICT) Mindanao Cluster 2 launched its ICT Skills Training and Internship Center this 23 June 2016 at the ICT Office, Cagayan de Oro City.

The event is graced by the Deputy Executive Director of e-Innovation, Monchito Ibrahim and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor, Oscar Moreno. The collaboration of various partners both from the public and private sector in collectively advancing development through ICT opportunities is commended for allowing the establishment of the ICT Skills Training and Internship Center. DICT is highly indebted to the generosity of Fil-Chi Love and Care Foundation through the help of ASUS Technology Philippines for donating 20 computers used in the center.

In observance of the ICT Month, DICT has paved way for opportunities and series of skills training given to selected individuals and its target sectors (students, differently-abled persons, out-of-school youth and adults, entrepreneurs, unemployed professionals, women and senior citizens) to gain access to connectivity, communication, information and vital government services. The ICT Skills Training and Internship Center started as a vision of providing solutions in mitigating the digital divide.

DICT has seen the potential of a growing industry which is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) projected to double its earnings in 2017. The BPO industry helps employ many Filipinos. However, according to IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines(IBPAP), the hiring rate is only around 5-10%, citing skills mismatch as one of the many reasons for such, thus the center’s establishment to help them gain proper training.

The Center offers digital literacy skills to Cagayan de Oro residents through the use of ICTO’s key projects – The Juan, Konek! Free Public Wi-Fi: Internet Access in Public Places Project was conceived and implemented to achieve the DOST-ICTO’s vision of providing Internet for all. The government will be providing free internet to 99% of the Philippine community for digital empowerment and for the country to experience the economic and social revolution brought about by the internet.

Tech4ED which stands for Technology for Education, to gain Employment, to empower Entrepreneurs towards Economic Development, aims to harness ICT to enable, empower and transform society creating an inclusive, integrated and equitable society. With the help of the various platforms: e-Eduskills, e-Assist and e-GovServ etc. It will provide opportunities for employment and empowering entrepreneurs.

Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) which aims to promote ICT-enabled jobs as a high value economic opportunity in rural communities which have access to internet connection. RIS provides information and access to jobs that can provide additional livelihood opportunities for technically competent workers.

This new initiative is promoting ICT – enabled jobs whilst addressing unemployment, underemployment and poverty in the City. The training involves Web Designing, Web Development, Graphics Design, Digital Literary and Communications Skills. Cagayan de Oro, having been dubbed as one of the Next-Wave Cities for IT-BPM, DICT deemed it necessary to prepare as this will help address economic problems. This program would also help create pool of talents for BPO companies.

The office envisions their trainees and target sectors to succeed in this program and wishes the neighboring provinces to replicate the efforts of DICT Mindanao Cluster 2. Thru this, it shall generate a wider scope of benefits and development for every Juan. (DICT)

Source: http://goo.gl/iVG557