In a groundbreaking event that marked the culmination of the National ICT Month Celebration, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) under the leadership of Secretary Ivan John Uy launched the highly anticipated Smart Village Initiative in the Philippines. Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Camba, Assistant Secretary for Regional Development and concurrent Officer-in-Charge of Region IX and BASULTA, spearheaded this game-changing initiative, aiming to revolutionize digital innovation and connectivity in underserved communities. The pilot beneficiary, Sacol Island, became the epicenter of this transformative endeavor.

The launch witnessed a gathering of influential stakeholders, including Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe and representatives from the Southern Philippines Development Authority and Yakan Association of Sacol Island, Zamboanga City. Notable figures from various Sacol Island barangays, the Department of Education Zamboanga City Division, Landang Gua Elementary School, Pasilmanta Elementary School, Busay Elementary School, Landang Laum Elementary School, Zamboanga City Medical Center, TESDA Zambo-Isabela, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, Zamboanga City Water District, Rotary Club Zamboanga City – West, PIA Western Mindanao, PTV Mindanao, Globe Telecom, PLDT/Smart, DITO Telecommunity, Nature Spring, Regional Emergency Assistance Communication Team, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police – Police Regional Office IX, Western Mindanao Command, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Philippine Navy, and other vital stakeholders also participated, pledging their unwavering support to the Smart Village Initiative.

Sacol Island emerged as the ideal choice for the Smart Village Initiative after the resounding success of the DICT’s Broadband ng Masa free internet program, which was introduced on the island in October 2022. Demonstrating an unyielding commitment to bridge the digital divide, the DICT, in collaboration with BASULTA, recently installed ten cutting-edge internet facilities within the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Camp Arturo Enrile in Barangay Malagutay, Zamboanga City.

The transformative Smart Village Initiative aims to empower Sacol Island with the tools of the digital age, providing access to state-of-the-art technologies, high-speed internet, and digital services. By harnessing the power of ICT infrastructure and resources, the initiative seeks to revolutionize education, healthcare, agriculture, and local governance on the island.

As the Smart Village Initiative is unveiled, marking the successful conclusion of the National ICT Month Celebration, the Philippines takes a giant leap towards its vision of becoming a digitally inclusive and progressive nation. Sacol Island, at the forefront of this revolutionary initiative, is poised to set an inspiring precedent for future ICT advancements, paving the way for the empowerment of more underserved communities throughout the country.

National ICT Month 2023 Steering Committee Chair Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue expressed full support to the event as ITU Councilor of the Philippines, especially because it is aligned with the theme of the month: “Connecting Communities, Enriching Lives, Forging a Digital Future for the Philippines.” This theme encapsulates the vision and goals of the government and the ICT sector in harnessing technology to foster connectivity, enhance quality of life, and drive the country’s digital transformation.

“Connecting Communities” emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all communities, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity. This includes efforts to expand broadband infrastructure, improve network coverage, and promote digital inclusion to empower even the most remote and underserved areas of the country.

“Enriching Lives” highlights the transformative power of ICT in various aspects of society. It recognizes the role of technology in improving education, healthcare, business, governance, and overall societal well-being. The focus is on leveraging ICT tools, applications, and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities across the Philippines.

“Forging a Digital Future for the Philippines” signifies the country’s commitment to embracing the digital age and leveraging technology to drive economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. It emphasizes the need to cultivate a digitally skilled workforce, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and create an enabling environment for digital businesses and startups to thrive.

Overall, the theme underscores the DICT’s determination to utilize ICT as a catalyst for inclusive development, empowering Filipinos to fully participate in the digital economy and positioning the country for a prosperous and sustainable future in the digital era.