FUKUOKA, JAPAN – October 2024 — At the vibrant World Nomad Conference held in Colive Fukuoka, former DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue stepped up for an impromptu moment that captured hearts and inspired minds. Armed only with passion and purpose, she delivered an instant speech with instant slides, pitching the Philippines as the next big destination for digital nomads—what she proudly coined as “DiNo Spots.”

In her talk, Batapa-Sigue emphasized the Philippines’ untapped potential: a nation blessed with stunning natural beauty, a tapestry of cultures, and the world-renowned warmth of its people. But beyond the postcard image, she championed the country’s emerging digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and local ICT ecosystems, which she helped nurture during her term from 2022 to 2025 as DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development.

Her message was clear and powerful: LGUs (local government units) across the archipelago have the chance to scale their communities into globally attractive hubs for remote workers, creators, and entrepreneurs. With the right policies and local leadership, small towns and cities can transform into vibrant digital nomad havens—places where work, culture, and adventure seamlessly converge.

As we watch the video of that spirited pitch, we invite public officials, developers, and dreamers alike to reimagine the Philippines—not just as a travel destination, but as a thriving global center for digital lifestyle and inclusive innovation.