Siquijor, Philippines – At the 2nd BarefootIT: Digital Nomad Summit 2024 held in Siquijor on October 23 to 24, 2024, Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) delivered a resounding message of support for the flourishing digital nomad movement in the Philippines. Her speech on the second day of the summit underscored the island’s potential as a model for digital innovation and sustainable tourism in the countryside.

Batapa-Sigue, a nationally recognized champion of countryside digital innovation and digital jobs advocacy, commended the summit’s organizers—including the Digital Nomad Association, DICT Regional Office VII, and the local government of Siquijor—for their visionary work in bringing together a diverse community of technologists, creatives, and public servants.

Highlighting the day’s theme of benchmarking and cultural immersion, she praised Siquijor’s vibrant cultural heritage, pristine landscapes, and welcoming communities as ideal conditions for remote work. She emphasized that such summits foster not only economic opportunities but also a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, which are essential to creating inclusive and future-ready digital destinations.

“Siquijor is a shining example of how nature and technology can harmoniously coexist,” she stated, describing the island as a compelling choice for digital nomads seeking inspiration, balance, and community.

She also urged the audience to continue shaping the future of work through collaboration and innovation. “The success of digital nomad hubs like Siquijor requires strategic alignment between public policy, community initiatives, and technological infrastructure,” she remarked.

As Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, Batapa-Sigue reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that expand digital opportunities beyond urban centers, in line with her long-standing advocacy for digital inclusion and sustainable countryside innovation.

The Digital Nomad Summit 2024 stood as a testament to the growing momentum of the digital economy in the Philippines—an economy where rural areas like Siquijor are not left behind, but instead are uplifted as beacons of what inclusive, tech-enabled futures can look like.

For more on Undersecretary Batapa-Sigue’s work, visit www.jocellebatapasigue.com.