KONICTADO Volume 1 Issue 1

KONICTADO A quarterly publication of the Department of Information and Commuications Technology Cordillera Administrative Region

JAN-MAR 2022 VOL .1 No. 1

Connect. Con nnect. Connect

ABOUT THE COVER

“Connect, connect, connect” is the DICT’s version of the Build Build Build program of the administration.

It emphasizes the need to accelerate the establishment of ICT infrastructure and infostructure across the country to help everyone move towards a worldclass digital economy.

CONTENTS 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12

Editorial: Fast and cheap connectivity, soon?

DICT-LC1 transitions to regional set-up

DICT lends tablets to address vax backlogs DICT-LC1 augments for Typhoon Odette response CDA-R2 adopts cybersec framework DICT-Apayao upskills studes from multisector Technus tops PSC CAR pitching competition DJPH: Providing opportunity for all Q&A: Why is gender diversity important in the workplace?

DICT-LC1 2021 Accomplishments

Editor-In-Chief / Managing Editor: Riemon Balan-eg Design / Layout: Riemon Balan-eg Writers: Donita Rose G. Cator • Pamela Rose Galut • Khrizza Angel Cadang • Mark Kevin Illustrado • DICT-CAR Advocacy Committee Consulting Editor: Rey Parnacio • Rufo Sotelo Jr. car@dict.gov.ph (074)304-4616/(074)442-3362 DICT - Cordillera Administrative Region

The editorial team encourages readers to share and circulate the contents of this issue with proper acknowledgement and attribution.

For contrbutions, submit articles preferrably 500-800 words plus at least three photos with credits to car@dict.gov.ph.

The team also appreciates story suggestions and feedbacks which can be coursed through the email stated above or through the DICT-CAR’s official Facebook Page.

EDITORIAL

Fast and cheap connectivity, soon?

The Philippines moved up to 60th place from 68th in terms of fixed broadband connectivity speed according to Speedtest Global Index’s March 2022 Global Median Speeds.

Mbps. Not only internet connectivity is slow but expensive as well. In the 2021 Digital Quality of Life Index

by Sufshark, the Philippines stands at 72nd globally in terms of internet affordability.

Despite this excellent development, the country is still not at par compared to other ASEAN countries.

Singapore, which has the fastest fixed broadband connectivity in the world, is at 197.97 Mbps. Thailand, which ranked third, is at 187.80 Mbps.

To improve the quality of internet service, the Department of Information and Communications Technology has the National Digital Infostructure Program (NDIP).

The Philippines, however, is not even at the half at 52.16

The program involves five key strategies ---- establishment and management of cable landing stations, laying down of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB), accelerated tower buildup, creation of regional, provincial, and municipal fiber rings, and satellite overlay.

The NDIP aims to close the digital divide and elevate the Filipino’s living standards by ensuring widespread and sustainable coverage and economically viable internet service.

Currently, the department has already completed the establishment of cable landing stations and is at 73.56% in implementing

Phase 1 of the NFB. With this significant accomplishment, why is connectivity still slow?

Honestly, a lot is still to be done compared to the problem. And what the DICT needs is support.

Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic said that an estimated worth of at least 50 billion in three years is needed to sustain the implementation of the National Digital Infrastructure Program.

Along with other services such as health, agriculture, welfare, and education, massive investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are also necessary.

Internet connectivity is not a privilege anymore but a basic need. Just like food, clothing, and shelter, internet is needed for the human and economic growth of every individual.

So, to our administration, here is our call: focus on ICT development. It is a prerequisite if we really want to see improvement in internet connectivity and accelerate the digital transformation of the country.

ICT is the right investment for the future of our nation.

NEWS

DICT-LC1 TRANSITIONS TO REGIONAL SET-UP DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic (standing) discusses with the regional directors immediate steps to take in the regionalization implementation during the 2021 Regional Director’s Conference. // Photo by: Riemon Balan-eg

DICT-CAR will be headed by Engr. Rey Parnacio as the officer-in-charge regional director concurrent with DICTRegion 1, while Dr. Allan Lao will head DICT-Region 2.

According to Dir. Parnacio, the new structure is more advantageous compared to the former.

In the cluster set-up, Region 1, Region 2, and CAR were under single supervision with the central cluster office located in Baguio City. He stated that the wide area of responsibility and centralized processes

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sometimes causes delays in responses.

He also added that some areas are geographically challenging to go to, especially in times of disaster when multiple areas in the cluster are affected.

“With regionalization, we can concentrate and focus our efforts on the specific and narrower AOR. Our response will be quicker, processes will be faster, and overall, our service delivery will be more efficient,” he explained.

Dir. Parnacio assured that despite the changes, the normal operations of the department will not be affected.

Future and ongoing plans in the Cordilleras include increasing free wifi sites, supporting LGUs in transitioning to digitization, and capacitating local Emergency Telecommunications Cluster among others.

RIEMON BALAN-EG

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With regionalization, we can concentrate and focus our efforts on the specific and narrower AOR. Our response will be quicker, processes will be faster, and overall, our service delivery will be more efficient.

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The DICT Luzon Cluster 1 has now transitioned to separate regional offices creating DICT- CAR, DICT- Region 1, and DICT-Region 2 as per Department Order No. 039 or the implementation of the approved Phase I Regionalization Initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology effective January 3, 2022.

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Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

NEWS

DICT LENDS TABLETS TO ADDRESS VAX BACKLOGS Lagangilang, Abra; Calanasan, Apayao; Atok, Bokod, Itogon, and Kibungan, Benguet; Hingyon, Hungduan, and Kiangan, Ifugao; Balabalan, Pasil, and Tinglayan, Kalinga; and Barlig, Paracelis, and Sadanga, Mountain Province each received two units of tablets with Bluetooth keyboard from the Department of ICT - CAR. This is in support of local rural health units and LGUs in the region in encoding and completing their vaccination data backlogs in the DICT Vaccination Administration Systems (DVAS).

The units will be lent until June 2022 which is the initial deadline for the LGUs to complete encoding and uploading their backlogs.

“We hope we can work together harmoniously for the success of these vaccination digital systems is not only dependent on us but also on the LGUs who will provide the vaccination data,” DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic said. RIEMON BALAN-EG AND KHRIZZHA ANGEL CADANG

Turnover to Atok, Benguet

Turnover to Laganilang, Abra

As of April 12, 2022, there are a total of 155, 721 backlogs in the region. Backlogs are the vaccination data that are not yet encoded in the DVAS. LGUs with the highest number of backlogs are Tabuk CIty, Kalinga with 17, 924, Luna, Apayao with 16, 041, and La Trinidad. Benguet with 15 877 records yet to be uploaded.

Turnover to Hingyon, Ifugao

Turnover to Tinglayan, Kalinga

In terms of completion percentage, Lubuagan, Kalinga was the lowest with only 35% of the total records uploaded followed by Sallapadan, Abra with 42%, and Luna Apayao with 58%.

According to DICT-CAR Vaccination Information Management System (VIMS) focal person Engr. Katherine Aguilar, LGUs should upload the records immediately as these are needed in issuing the VaxCert PH certificates.

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Turnover to Calanasan, Apayao

Turnover to Sadanga, Mt. Province

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

NEWS

DICT-LC1 AUGMENTS FOR TYPHOON ODETTE RESPONSE

Five personnel from the Department of Information and Communications Technology Luzon Cluster I led by Regional Director Nestor Bongato were deployed at Pilar, Surigao Del Norte to extend ICT services and aid in Typhoon Odette response operations.

From December 20, 2021 to January 3, 2022, the team was able to deploy one fly-away VSAT, nine wireless routers, eleven IP radios, three VHF radios, one portable generator, and eleven access points. These were used to set up and restore free wifi connections and provide free charging stations.

“Aside from the basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, communication is also crucial in disaster response. 24/7 open

communication is needed by government agencies for reporting, coordinating, and planning immediate and appropriate actions,” Dir. Bongato said.

recovery,” Ressureccion said.

Dir. Bongato said that as the lead agency providing ICT-enabled services in disaster-stricken communities, the Luzon Cluster I is always ready to augment areas in the country in need of assistance.

RIEMON BALAN-EG

He also added that providing the affected communities means to communicate with loved ones is a huge emotional and psychological lift in these challenging times.

In a statement, Pilar Municipal Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion expressed her gratitude to the DICT-LC1 Team for the invaluable support provided to the municipality.

“On behalf of the Pilar LGU, we thank the DICT for the timely and efficient ICT services extended to us. Your efforts contributed hugely to our fast response and

Engineers from DICT-Luzon Cluster 1 sets-up fly away VSAT to be deployed in Pilar, Surigao Del Norte. The said equipment was used to establish connectivity in the area.

CDA-R2 ADOPTS CYBERSEC FRAMEWORK The Department of Information and Communications Technology - Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR)’s Cybersecurity Bureau facilitated a workshop on Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Protection Competency Framework for the Cooperative Development Authority-Region 2 on March 16, 2022.

Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to respond to cyberattacks and collaborate with local and international linkages and secure the personal data of the citizens.

The activity was pursuant to the DICT Memorandum Circular No. 006 encouraging all government agencies to adopt the policies, rules, and regulations stipulated in the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2022.

“Our agency is taking cybersecurity seriously. We know that data breaches, phishing, ransomware, and other forms of cyberattacks can happen to us anytime and anywhere. Having this training empowers us to prepare, respond, prevent, and to become more resilient to these,” Regional Director Atty. Franco Bawang Jr., who was once a victim of phishing himself, said.

It enjoins all agencies to create and improve their respective cybersecurity framework, risk assessment, regular penetration testing, and establish their own

The eight-hour workshop included lectures and workshops on cyber threats and cybercrimes awareness, cybersecurity laws, data privacy rights, and risk

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management.

DICT-CAR OIC Regional Director Rey Parnacio encourages all agencies to also look at their cybersecurity framework and align it to the standards prescribed in the NCSP. “Adopting a cybersecurity framework at any level is a sign of good governance. We as government agencies and public servants are entrusted with the data of citizens. We, therefore, have the duty to secure and protect them,” he said.

Parnacio added that the DICT will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and campaign toward a safe and secure Filipino nation. DONITA ROSE CATOR

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

NEWS

DICT-APAYAO UPSKILLS STUDES FROM MULTISECTOR Students from different sectors (indigenous people, out-of-school youth, students, OFWs) take their final assessment exam after the 10-day intensive training.// Photo by: Pamela Rose Galut

13 students attended Batch 1 from February 28, 2022 to March 11, 2022 while 17 were trained for Batch 2 conducted from March 21, 2022 to April 1, 2022.

The intensive training focused on computer operations fundamentals, file management, Microsoft Suite fundamentals, Google Workspace fundamentals, basic internet use, Canva fundamentals, basic social media management, video teleconferencing, and introduction to Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED).

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According to DICT-CAR OIC RD Rey Parnacio, there are many opportunities that marginalized sectors were not able to take advantage of due to lack of ICT Competency.

“The DICT aims to provide everyone equal access and opportunities to ICT-enabled services. As we transition to digitization, we want everyone to keep up,” he said.

Maricel Oandasan, one of the trainees and an indigenous person, thanked the two agencies for the free education she received.

“I know that digital literacy is very important nowadays so that’s my motivation in joining this training, I came here with zero knowledge and now, I can go back to my community with the knowledge and skills I can use and share,” she said.

Director Parnacio assured that the DICT-CAR will continue to

partner with other stakeholders to provide similar opportunities, especially for marginalized communities in the region.

On an ending note, TESDAApayao Provincial Director Roger Dancel motivated the participants to continue enhancing their ICT competencies as such skills are now a must. PAMELA ROSE GALUT

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I came here with zero knowledge and now, I can go back to my community equipped with knowledge and skills I can use and share.

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In partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Apayao, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) - Apayao conducted a 10-day Digital Literacy training for two batches from multisector.

Maricel Oandasan, Trainee

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

NEWS

The Bailee Prototype uses the Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller to function. A push of a button triggers the corresponding LED light and tone that helps the visually impaired memorize the braille codes better because they can associate the solfege tones (e.g., do, re, mi) to the braille code patterns. The translated text equivalent shows up on the LCD screen when an acceptable braille code is entered.

TECHNUS TOPS PSC CAR REGIONAL PITCHING COMPETITION Technus of Saint Louis University bested the other six teams who competed during the Philippine StartUp Competition Student Category Cordillera Regional Pitching Competition held on February 21-22, 2022.

Their winning innovation, Bailee, a multi-sensory pedagogical tool for the visually impaired, seeks to solve the problem of lack of tactile acuity and lack of learning materials for visually impaired individuals. It also presents as a cost-effective tool that allows collaborative learning between sighted and visually impaired people.

The translated text equivalent shows up on the LCD screen when an acceptable braille code is entered.

“Our innovation will not only benefit the visually-impaired but also sighted people who cannot read braille. This is also intended for teachers to use as training tools alternative to braille or other expensive learning materials,” Technus team leader Ivanka Mendoza said.

Other winners are also iTremor of Saint Louis University bagged the first runner-up award with their iTremor StartUp, a disaster risk reduction monitoring tool while Pock-

etPH of University of the Cordilleras was awarded second runner-up with their PocketPH entry, a mobile application where travelers can easily make itineraries according to time and budget.

The Philippine Startup Challenge is a startup competition that aims to encourage and support Filipinos to create innovative and relevant ICT products and services that may potentially develop into viable business ventures as well as solve social problems.

RIEMON BALAN-EG

It consists of pushbuttons, speakers, LED lights, and an LCD screen. A push of a button triggers the corresponding LED light and tone that helps the visually impaired memorize the braille codes better because they can associate the solfege tones to the braille code patterns.

TEAM TECHNUS (Left to right) Jay Ron Imbuido, Ivanka Mendoza, Matthew Ganaden)

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Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

FEATURE

DJPH: Providing Opportunity for all From one dollar per hour, Jessa Jane Tid-ong, 27, now earns 10-15 dollars per hour.

Through her perseverance and persistence, she proved that anyone could build a career and be successful in the world of freelancing regardless of gender, experience, and educational attainment.

JOINING THE GIG Before deciding to do work online, Jessa worked as a call center agent.

“I am preparing to go back to school, and I have a brother who has special needs that I need to take care of. With my night shift schedule, it is challenging for me to focus on both,” she shared on why she decided to enter the gig economy.

But being a novice in the field, she faced many challenges.

She recalled during the time she shifted that freelancing was not popular in the Philippines. Searching for work and acquiring clients are some of the obstacles. Luckily, she was able to sign up for

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a Health Care insurance for administrative services.

From that point, she slowly became aware of the ins, outs, and hows of virtual jobs and has been steadily getting hired by clients around the world.

But she admits that freelancing has its downs also.

She has considered quitting a few times and planned to look for physical office jobs in the locale.

“The initial jobs I was getting were mediocre and low paying. My expectations were not met, and I can’t feel satisfaction or pay-off for what I’m doing,” she said.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the companies where Jessa worked were also affected, and work slowed down. But Jessa didn’t lose hope. She held on and now she works for four clients around the world.

importance of digitalization and opportunities of the gig economy were highlighted which was advantageous for us,” she said.

UPSKILLING THRU DJPH Although Jessa is now a skilled and experienced virtual assistant, she admits she still doesn’t know all. So when she saw the free Digital Jobs PH course offered by the DICT particularly the Social Media Marketing, she immediately enrolled.

“Most of the jobs I handled are operations management and backend office work.

I enrolled in the course because I know it would increase my value and expand the services I can offer,” she said.

After two months of intensive training, she testified that the digitaljobs PH works. She shared she still learned new things and was able to gain more clients.

“Everyone was negatively affected during the pandemic but on the positive side, the

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

NEWS “The digitaljobs PH Program of the DICT is a gift for us. I highly recommend it to those who want to join the gig.

These courses will teach you invaluable lessons that you need to be successful in this field,” she attested.

But more than the skills, she shared that the friendship gained and values taught during the course were the most important thing she has earned and will carry moving forward.

She said she will continue to upskill and will enroll in the Web Development Course of the DJPH in the future.

WHAT IS DIGITAL JOBS PH? Digital Jobs PH is one of the programs of the DICT’s ICT Competency and Development Bureau that aims to increase people’s employability by providing training to develop and improve the ICT skills of Filipinos in the countryside

and enable them to provide IT-BPM services while working from home.

Director Rey Parnacio said.

Trainings provided include Social Media Marketing, General Virtual Assistant, Web Development, Graphic Design, Search Engine Optimization Content Marketing, E-Commerce, and many more. All these are provided for free.

Jessa Jane is now working as a virtual executive assistant for 8 years to date. When asked where she sees herself in the next five years, she answered she will still be a virtual worker.

The trainings last for intensive 21 days followed by another 21-day campaign which will allow students to experience finding clients and marketing their services.

Filipinos 18 years old and above are qualified to enroll in the program. A computer and a stable internet connection are also required.

“The trainings we provide are the in-demand skills in the gig economy. With upskilling, we can help these marginalized sectors land jobs for the betterment of their lives,” DICT-CAR OIC Regional

OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

“Many working moms are struggling to balance parental duties and career. Freelancing has given me the privilege to do both while working in the comforts of my home,” she said.

She reiterated that any work is commendable and encouraged those who need work to enroll in the DJPH courses as the world of freelancing has many opportunities waiting for them. RIEMON BALAN-EG

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The digitaljobs PH Program of the DICT is a gift for us. I highly recommend it to those who want to join the gig. These courses will teach you invaluable lessons that you need to be successful in this field.

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- Jessa Jane Tid-ong, DJPH Graduate

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

Q &A

In celebration of the 2022 National Women’s Month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology recognizes the excellence, efforts, and important contributions of women in ensuring a happy, safe, and contented Filipino nation that thrives thru and is enabled by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

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Why is gender diversity important in the workplace?

Women, when in leadership roles, can bring creativity, positivity, compassion, diversity, and multidimensionality in the workforce.

- VIRGINIA C. BACULI

DICT-Apayao Provincial Officer

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A gender-diverse workforce allows the organization to serve a wider range and diverse client base and a wider talent pool. With a gender-diverse workforce, there is enhanced collaboration and improved staff retention.

- BRETZ HARLLYNNE M. MOLTIO Information Systems Analyst I

Women have different perspectives with men.

With this, the different point of views and the approaches are being heard resulting to inclusive and reponsive activities, programs, or policies.

- DONITA ROSE G. CATOR Administrative Officer II

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

GAD CORNER

Empowering

women through

ICT skills development Social media and Digital Marketing Training for Young Women conducted on March 14-16, 2022

Digital Literacy Training for Mobile Teachers conducted on March 3-4, 2022

Digital Literacy Training for Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina conducted on March 17, 2022

Konictado | Jan-Mar 2020

2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 228

barangays with access to the Barangay Records and Automation System (BRAMS)

49, 411

digital signatures issued

1,168

connected sites in the cluster through the Free Wifi for All Project and Regional Government Network

152

LGUs with operational eBPLS

134

LGUs who adapted the DICT Vaccination Administration System

3,201

Individuals trained through the Digital Workforce, Digital Education, Digital Literacy, and Digital Jobs PH programs

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additional Tech4ED Centers launched

Serving, bridging, and connecting beyond the mountains.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US? DICT - CAR REGIONAL OFFICE: DICT Compound, Polo FIeld, St. Joseph Village, Baguio CIty DICT - ABRA: Actividad Economia St., Zone 3, Bangued, Abra DICT- APAYAO 1: Capitol Compound, San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao DICT- APAYAO 2: Poblacion, Luna, Apayao DICT - BENGUET: Post Office Loop, Upper Session Road, Baguio City DICT - IFUGAO: Poblacion West, Lamut, Ifugao DICT - KALINGA: Burgos St., Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City DICT - MOUNTAIN PROVINCE: 4F Sports Complex Bldg., Poblacion , Bontoc car@dict.gov.ph

(074)304-4616/(074)442-3362

DICT - Cordillera Administrative Region