Contributed by Danelle Bianca Bona

Through the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) assists in carrying out one of the agency’s key mandates to “ensure the sustainable growth of Philippine ICT-enabled industries leading to the creation of more jobs.”

The wide range of natural tourism destinations and activities available in the Philippines make it a top destination  for domestic and international tourists looking for leisure and work opportunities. It is through the Empowering, Promoting, and Invigorating the Digital Creative Industry (EPIC) program of IIDB that the #BarefootIT Digital Nomad Summit and Arts Festival was conducted last 5-6 October 2023. With the overall objective of promoting Siargao as an innovation and techhub island destination in the Philippines for the local and international IT and digital creative industries, startups, cryptocurrency, metaverse, investors, incubators, accelerators, and etc., the aforementioned two-day event included a number of learning sessions, panel discussions, and showcases on the industry’s viability, sustainability, and available opportunities.

On October 5 and 6, 2023, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte hosted the 1st Digital Nomad Summit. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, First District Representative of Surigao del Norte Francisco Jose Matugas, Secretary Maria Belen Acosta the Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority, Mayor Alfredo Coro II of the Municipality of Del Carmen, and Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, the DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, graced the occasion.

The keynote address for the first Philippine Digital Nomad Summit was given by Secretary Ivan. He emphasized that although the idea of digital nomads had already begun, more had entered the picture as COVID-19 further accelerated digitalization. The Secretary also said that the Philippines will benefit greatly from this since they are known for their varied cultures, abundance of pristine natural attractions, and ability to provide exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. The promotion of islands as workspaces for digital nomads is probably one of the country’s low-hanging fruits when it comes to boosting the economy, with more than four million tourist arrivals just during the first three quarters of this year, according to the Department of Tourism.

The Secretary gave his word that the DICT would keep delivering dependable digital infrastructure and connectivity, which results in jobs, opportunities, and investments for the regions, provinces, cities, and barangays. In addition to providing physical ICT infrastructure to link Filipinos to the digital economy, DICT is tasked with fostering the development of ICT-enabled companies in the nation. Additionally, Secretary Ivan promised that the DICT would be the leading proponent in developing the sunrise industry through the implementation of numerous programs and collaborations with pertinent stakeholders. This would help to attract digital nomads and make the Philippines more accommodating to their needs and aspirations.

Three years after the start of the pandemic, the Secretary claims that the staging of the first Philippine Digital Nomad Summit is a clear signal to the rest of the globe that the Philippines is prepared to become a popular destination for digital nomads. Direct support from Filipinos is required for the ICT-enabled sectors that use digital nomads.

With the aim of bringing together local and foreign IT and digital creative talents and professionals in Siargao to promote global employment and careers in the gig economy, DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Atty. Jocelle  Batapa-Sigue delivered a special message during the event in which she discussed the definition and key characteristics of a digital nomad, including remote work, travel, flexibility, independence, cultural immersion, cost of living considerations, and community; the promotion of Siargao as an Innovation and Techhub Island destination in the Philippines; introducing the digital nomad lifestyle to those interested in it; raising awareness of Siargao as a short, mid, and/or long-term work location for digital nomads and professionals; giving local and international stakeholders opportunities to forge connections or strengthen current collaborations; and showcasing the available talents, current infrastructure, and creative culture in Siargao.

The advantages of having digital nomads in the Philippines were also covered in the discussion by Atty. Batapa-Sigue, who cited economic impact, foreign exchange, innovation and knowledge transfer, promoting tourism, infrastructure development, job creation, diversifying the economy, promoting cultural exchange, utilizing local talent, and sustainable tourism as advantages. Particularly, Siargao has a lot to offer. Given that it provides an environment that is suited to living a work-and-play lifestyle, it has a great deal of potential to become the next digital nomads’ preferred location.

The Undersecretary also goes in-depth on DICT’s mission to promote rural development and sustain the growth of the country’s ICT-enabled industries, which will lead to the creation of more jobs. The Undersecretary continuously collaborates with both public and private partners to carry out initiatives that can create an environment that will allow our citizens and the entire nation to prosper. She referred to the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Law, or RA 11927, which DICT was involved in drafting and which emphasizes the need of digital skills for Filipinos in the Information Age.

The projects under the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), one of Atty. Batapa-Sigue’s bureaus were discussed. The IIDB established the Empowering Digital Workers of the Gig Industry Ecosystem in the Philippines (EDGE PH) Program to support the online freelancing industry (Gig Economy) in the Philippines. This program pledges to sustain the position of the Philippines in the Global Gig Economy by offering four key interventions: Institutional Development, Talent Development, Research and Development, and Marketing and Promotions.

Digital natives/nomads from both the local and international communities, as well as original Filipino content producers, experts in digital marketing, game developers, animators, designers, app and web developers, IT professionals, artists, local company owners, and government organizations, attended the event.

Throughout the two-day summit, several CEOs of various firms presented their experiences. On the first day, Timea Pintye, CEO of Digital Marketing Star, recounted her six-year journey as a global digital entrepreneur, while Orly Darnayla, CEO of Baybayin Hub, talked about his personal path and a growing community of Filipino digital nomads. Sang Tupas of Salesforce (Australia), Rico Nielsen of Nanotech Engineer (Denmark), Althea Gallardo, a businesswoman from Cebu, and Jack Unsworth of Lola’s Rentals (UK) discussed why they picked Siargao in a panel discussion. The advantages of working at their own speed, pursuing their creative hobbies, and juggling several positions and hats are all available to digital nomads. Silicon Valley HQ CEO Chris Peralta joined the discussion to discuss Siargao Valley: An Innovation and Creative Island Destination. The Philippines is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists seeking leisure and employment possibilities due to the large variety of natural tourist destinations and activities accessible there.

The bureau head, Emmy Lou Delfin, spoke about the initiatives and projects of the DICT ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB). Along with Jo-Dann Darong, the Assistant Director for the DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Dir Delfin also participated in the panel discussion. The government’s support for IT, digital creatives, and the gig economy was discussed by Butuan councilwoman Cherry May Busa and attorney Emerson Cuyo, Director IV of the IPOPHL Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights. The government is committed to working with like-minded agencies and stakeholders to promote and preserve the ongoing development of the nation’s IT industry, digital creative industry, and gig economy as well as to further leverage the country’s inherent competitive advantage. This commitment is made possible by the enactment of pertinent policies that forge stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Jana Ang, the head of sales and marketing at Data Lake, a Starlink-authorized reseller, spoke about the company’s plans to improve connectivity. Patrick Gloria, VP for External Affairs at Globe Telecoms, spoke about the company’s infrastructure ambitions to improve connectivity. SIARELCO General Manager Cong Sergio Dagooc discusses expanding the power supply to support the DiNo program. Vice President of Cantilan Bank Tanya Hotchkiss spoke on community development and sustained financial inclusion through connectivity. Arian Valiente, Business Development Manager of Sunlight Air, discussed the airline’s ambitions to boost digital and tech tourism, while Kewpie Dulalas, Area Channel Distribution Manager of GCASH, discussed how Gcash has contributed to changing the financial landscape in rural areas and future plans for Siargao.

With Fonzie Pale, Brand Marketing Head of Zigzag Careers, Adrian Camingue, President of SITGOA, Elwin Argana, Director of SNSU, and Heidi Cajes of Immigration Concerns, the first day’s last panel discussion focused on helping the DiNo community. Lei Bautista, CEO of Abakada Studios and President of SURF IT and Angelica’s Hostel, wrapped up the first day.

James Lo, President of GDAP and CEO of Taktyl Studios, gave the opening comments for the second day of the Digital Nomad Summit. He focused on the significance of the creative sector in the gig economy and how it creates jobs for digital nomads. Carlo Chen-Delantar, Head of ESG & Circular Economy at Gobi Partners, gave a special speech on how ASEAN nations may foster and support a digital nomad economy. Blogger and Two Monkeys Travel founder Kach Umandap also made a special statement. Ms. Umandap discussed how she built a global consulting firm while traveling to 189 countries with a Philippine passport.

Nelson Capiles of Mama Coco’s, Jenny Gregorio of Virtual Assistance, Rene De Jesus of Mobile AND Systems Developer, Mark Dizon of SEO entrepreneur in Socorro, and Tony Toni of DJ Magic 89.9 participated in the first panel discussion for the second day to discuss how DiNo careers are thriving in the gig economy. Digital Nomads work in a variety of fields and businesses. The creation of original Filipino creative content, outsourcing, IT work, and gig labor are just a few of the rewarding careers that digital nomads can pursue, whether they are for a formal or traditional organization, as independent contractors, or as part of a remote business.

The new slate of SURF-IT (Siargao Unified Resources for Information Technology) executives was unveiled before the program’s conclusion. The new set of officers of Siargao Unified Resources for Information Technology (SURF-IT) was also introduced during the event. Lei Bautista was elected as the new President; Rene de Jesus as the Vice President; Jessa Ricamora, the newly elected Secretary; Glenn Mark Dizon as the Corporate Secretary; Angel Gamayo, the elected Treasurer; Daniel Adrian Camingue, Executive Director; and James McCorkie, as the incoming Entrepreneurship Director.

The new officers were inducted into office by Atty. Batapa-Sigue. The officials vowed to dedicate themselves to SURF-IT’s goals, programs, and activities in order to push for the development of additional rural jobs and to assure the long-term expansion of ICT-enabled businesses in the Philippines. They pledge to fully support regional and global ICT projects. Adrian Camingue, the new executive director of SURF-IT, gave an acceptance speech and an IT road map.

Along with the attendees from the major agencies and organizations, Undersecretary Jocelle and Director Emmy participated in the signing of the Summit Resolution. The Digital Nomad Summit paved the stage for possibilities to be provided for regional and global stakeholders to establish connections or expand current relationships.

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1^st Philippine Digital Nomad Summit: #BarefootIT Digital Nomad Summit and Arts Festival

October 5, 2023 | DEL CARMEN, SIARGAO ISLAND

WELCOME REMARKS of Mayor Alfredo M Coro II

Marajaw na Adlaw sa ijo hurot! Let me begin by greeting our dear teachers a Happy World Teachers Day, the reason we are all here today! 

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently – they’re not fond of rules…”.. This quote has been an inspiration from the first time I have listened to Steve Jobs say these words.

Let me tell you our story…

In 2016, we made a conscious decision to establish an ICT Industry to complement the growing tourism industry as we are a protected landscapes and seascapes. Our first step was to establish the Siargao Unified Resources for IT or SURF IT with multi-stakeholders of Siargao. In partnership with Surigao del Norte State University Del Carmen Campus, we established the Remote Impact Sourcing Laboratories and had success stories of our IT students making strides in RIS Work.

In 2020, during the COVID Pandemic, we saw an opportunity to expand our ICT industry which was then limited to local human resources with the idea of establishing co-working spaces and work in paradise campaigns to support our tourism facilities. This setup started to worked already but then in December 2021 came Super Typhoon Odette made landfall that devastated Siargao.

We asked ourselves: How do we recover from a pandemic and super typhoon?

In 2022, with all the support of the national and international community from public and private organizations, we responded and started our economic recovery.  By end of 2022, the world was introduced to the bigger potential of artificial intelligence; and Siargao had better internet connectivity with a resurgent tourism.

Why a technology-based industry?

From then until now, I have always believed in the power of science and technology as gamechangers for development especially for a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area or basically a small island ecosystem like ours. Since we cannot have large factories and processing zones, we looked into Information and Communications Technology to complement our tourism industry. From Remote Impact Systems with Home Based Business Process Outsourcing, to Call Center Setup with CallBox (Congratulations and Thank you!), to a Digital Nomad Industry. Digital Nomad Industry, as we may call it now, involves the convergence of tourism, information technology, migration, trade, food security, etc: thus an industry. We will support DICT’s mission of “ensuring the sustainable growth of the Philippine ICT-enabled industries resulting in the creation of more jobs” just a little different with the Digital Nomads and Creative Industries. We will also commit to NEDA, DENR, DOT, DTI, DOLE in promoting sustainable development and equitable growth. We will commit to Siargaonons to protecting our home with green industries and green jobs.

Why my bias for ICT?

I was part of the ICT industry for the first 10 years of my professional life after finishing a degree in computer science. I have seen the growth of information technology industry from the research and development side to sales and marketing, to global deployment and management. I have seen how the Youth of Del Carmen and the Youth of Siargao embraced tourism as a creative outlet from sports to fashion to arts. I am here with all of you to share the power of the technology and creativity by empowering our communities thru the Digital Nomad Industry.

We gather in unison coming from various offices, businesses, interests; from the government, non-government, civil society and private sector; from various locations local and international; to discuss and celebrate the potential of Digital Nomad Industry in the Philippines. In the next few days, we will be discussing about the proposed Philippine Digital Nomad Act, the Creative Industry, Opportunities in the Digital Nomad Industry Supply Chain, and living the life of a Digital Nomad. To start and cap off our days, will be celebrations of a Siargaonon Fiesta, and opportunities to enjoy the Digital Nomad way of life in Siargao. If you have more time, please visit any of the 132 barangays or villages of Siargao Islands to embrace nature and create adventures!

Let Siargao’s experience serve as a pilot for replicating a Digital Nomad Industry to the farthest and remote islands, uplands, forests and farmlands: capitalizing on our very beautiful ecosystems, creative talents and available connectivity.

May I therefore congratulate the organizers, the digital professionals, the creatives, the dreamers. On behalf of the people of Del Carmen and the nine Mayors of Siargao Islands, I welcome you all to our beautiful home of Siargao Islands. Salamat Gajud Karajaw and welcome to the 1^st Philippine Digital Nomad Summit and Festival! #BarefootICT