In an online event last June 27, 2023 aligned with the observance of the National ICT Month 2023, the Digital Cities Program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched its third batch of cities to complete their roadmaps, signaling a significant step forward for these locations in the Philippines’ information and communications technology (ICT) industry. The Digital Cities program aims to transform various cities across the country into thriving hubs for digital innovation, attracting investments and creating job opportunities for Filipinos.

Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, the Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, opened the event with a warm and inspirational message, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and technology in driving economic growth. She highlighted the role of the Digital Cities program in harnessing the potential of emerging technologies to fuel the country’s development.

Jeanette Carillo, the Executive Director for External Affairs and Investor Relations at the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), presented the ambitious targets outlined in the 2028 IT-BPM Industry Roadmap. These targets aim to further propel the country’s IT and business process management industry, reinforcing its position as a global leader.

Following Carillo, DICT’s Emmy Lou Delfin, the Director IV of the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), provided updates on the Digital Cities program. Delfin shared the progress made in the previous batches and highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on participating cities. The program has successfully fostered collaboration between government, industry, and academia to establish a robust digital ecosystem.

The event featured presentations from mayors and ICT council representatives of the five cities, namely Antipolo City, City of San Fernando, La Union, Dagupan City, Tagbilaran City in Bohol and Malolos City, Bulacan. Each representative showcased their respective city’s roadmap, highlighting the unique strengths and opportunities they offer for ICT investments and development.

Mayor Jane Censoria-Yap of Tagbilaran City expressed her support and shared the ICT Council’s vision for the city’s roadmap. Mayor Christian Natividad of Malolos City and Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto of the City of San Fernando, La Union, also conveyed their commitment to the program, highlighting their cities’ potential for growth and innovation.

Mayor Casimiro Ynares III of Antipolo City and Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City reinforced their cities’ dedication to the Digital Cities program. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between local government units, the private sector, and other stakeholders in driving digital transformation.

Industry partners also shared their messages of support, highlighting the critical role of their respective sectors in the country’s ICT growth. These partners included Jonathan de Luzuriaga, President of the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA); Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Managing Director of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP); James Ronald Lo, President of the Game Developer Association of the Philippines (GDAP); Daniel Enriquez, Executive Director of the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI); and Vincent Remo, President of the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP).

The roadmap presentors were Marietta Gasatan, Co-chair Tagbilaran City ICT Council, Joel Eugenio, President, Malolos ICT Council, Dr. Alvin Malicdem, Treasurer, City of San Fernando La Union ICT Council, Oliver Gorospe, President, Antipolo City ICT Council and Edmundo Casulla, Program Coordinator, Dagupan ICT Committee.

Dr. Mary Joy Abueg, President of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), delivered the closing remarks, expressing her enthusiasm for the Digital Cities program’s continued expansion. Dr. Abueg emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable growth in transforming cities into vibrant digital ecosystems.

The Digital Cities Roadmap Launching Batch 3 event showcased the collective effort to drive ICT growth and digital transformation in the Philippines. With 19 cities committed to the program, the future looks promising as the country solidifies its position as a global player in the digital landscape.

Digital Cities are tier 3 cities under the DICT which already declared Centers of Excellence (COEs): Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Clark, Bacolod City, Davao City, and Iloilo City as well as Next Wave Cities (NWCs): Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro City, Dasmarinas City, Dumaguete City, Lipa City, Naga City, and Sta. Rosa City.