Harness

With the establishment of Tech4ED Centers in prisons, it has now become possible and convenient for persons behind bars to access ICT-enabled services despite their isolation. Through its partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bansud District Jail, the first BJMP Tech4ED Center in Oriental Mindoro, and Odiongan District Jail also received Tech4ED computer packages from DICT

The services offered range from Electronic Dalaw (E-DALAW) or virtual visitations, E-Burol allowing PDLs to attend the burial of their loved ones virtually, Tele-Hearing or Online Hearing of Criminal Cases, Electronic Legal Consultation, Tele-Psychology, and Tele-Medicine consultations among others

With six (6) active BJMP Tech4ED Centers, DICT has once again demonstrated its commitment in delivering service without border:

1 BJMP Puerto Princesa City Palawan Tech4ED Center

2 BJMP Bansud District Jail Tech4ED Center

3 BJMP Odiongan District Jail Tech4ED Center ol last April 22, 2022 Under the leadership ive Tech4ED Centers as of this writing to serve as community e Centers in areas where access to information and government services are limited. As part of the department's tireless and sincere efforts to serve the Filipino people, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay and Barangay Benli, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro were the beneficiaries of Free Wi-Fi for All connectivity

The iSARAP government convergence was also participated by DHSUD, DTI, DepEd, LTFRB, CDA, BFAR, NIA, DSWD, DOH, DA, NHA, TESDA, and PCA, among others.

LISTENTOBJMPPUERTO PRINCESATECH4ED TESTIMONIALS https://tinyurl.com/BJMPTestimonial

WATCHHOWE-DALAW BENEFITSPDLSOFBJMP https://tinyurl.com/E-dalawVideo

WITNESSDICT'S PARTICIPATIONTOTHE ISARAPCARAVAN https://tinyurl.com/iSarapVideo

According to AlphaBeta, an economic consultancy firm based Singapore, the Philippines digital economy can make up to hp 5 trillion through digital transformation by 2030. With this, ere has been a significant growth involved in accelerating gital transformation in Philippine economy However, the ountry is facing challenges in skilled ICT workforce to fully take dvantage of the market gap.

Recognizing this as an opportunity, DICT R4B MIMAROPA, rough its digitaljobsPH project, has been providing free chnical training on sought-after digital skills tailored to meet nline job opportunities and contribute to the development of nline freelancing industry in the Philippines This project aims to provide alternative learning options and opportunities through online skills development even at the comfort of their homes

Running since 2016, customized trainings were also offered focusing on capacitating special sectors particularly Women, Teachers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Persons with Disability (PWD) leaving them new skills to use as they take a new leap in their career journey.

In 2022, DICT MIMAROPA was able to produce 233 graduates’ scholars with a total Freelancer Sales ₱102,214.93 and MSME Sales 73041 50 These sales are part of the campaign wherein trainees have the chance to earn while still in training and guided by mentors Under the program, 15 djPH technical trainings for MIMAROPA Region has been delivered for the year focusing on Social Media Marketing, English as Second Language, Graphic Design with Canva , General Virtual Assistance, E-commerce for Online Professionals, Graphic Design with Canva for Teachers, Virtualahan for PWDs, Intro to Ecommerce for MSME, Affiliate Marketing for Beginners Tagged as OFW version 2 0 or the Online Filipino Workers, these trainings are stepping stones for freelancers predicted to greatly contribute to the flourishing of a competitive Philippine digital economy

Marinduque

Oriental Mindoro Romblon

Mr. Carl Sapungan (GD Canva) Mr Jay Fahutag (GD Canva)

With the evolving ICT industry, freelancing provides excellent opportunities for Filipinos who are looking for employment Mrs Edralyn Rivera is one prime example of a Filipino maximizing the benefits of freelancing and ICT to grow their small family business A graduate of DICT’s digitalJobsPH Training Program, she is currently an active freelancer and owner of two successful businesses Mrs Edralyn Rivera shared how she shifted her career from an Accountant to an Overseas Filipino Worker to being a current freelancer and owner of local businesses in the Philippines

What were you doing before being a freelancer?

I worked as an Accountant in Makati with a salary that couldn’t cover my family’s needs despite being a CPA Then, opportunity knocked, and I got a job in Cayman Islands for almost 3 years until I was laid off due to the recession Months later, I got a job again in United Arab Emirates (UAE) where I chaired different positions until I became the Chief Accountant

What were the reasons that made you come back to the Philippines?

In 2018, my family returned to the Philippines with a plan of starting a business related to auto repair shop services because this is my husband’s line of expertise and it was his ultimate dream I continued working in UAE until we decided that I needed to go back home to work together to manage the auto shop. Also, our kids were growing up, at the stage where they needed me. Also, I felt too stressed and pressured with my current position, plus the effect of the pandemic on us Fortunately, I passed and got my CMA certificate before I left UAE

How did you encounter freelancing and e-commerce? How was your training experience with DICT?

A good friend from DOST sent me a link about the free training on E-Commerce offered by DICTMIMAROPA I did not hesitate to participate though I didn’t have any idea about it It was my first time using and learning online tools for e-commerce and social media marketing. I utilized what we learned from the training in promoting our e-commerce and social media business page.

Honestly, there was a big difference between our earnings from our business before and after we entered e-commerce and social media Our market expanded to different types of clients Our e-commerce presence made our services and products exposed to more people and made a huge impact in increasing our monthly sales

Actually, during the early months of operation plus the effect of the pandemic, our net revenue is just enough to sustain our daily personal expenses Last August 2020, we decided to sell car parts and accessories when we noticed that the demand was huge and the unavailability of parts is the main reason for pending jobs

Our net revenue significantly increased with our social media pages, additional services offered and on-hand parts and accessories, oil, and lubricants, and of course my husband’s expertise

In this era where everything is online and everyone wants convenience, the use of e-commerce and social media for our business plays a big part to expand our market, to be ahead of our competitors, and easily gain trust from clients and suppliers

As for freelancing, I started by helping my husband in managing our business. I did bookkeeping in excel to organize everything and to reflect the current status of the business through correct figures and graphs Since I was in UAE when he opened the shop, there was no proper management because he is alone in accomplishing things At that time, he was also managing an ongoing construction project and of course his daddy/mommy duties

Since I came home, I focused on tax and BIR-related processes Initially, I helped new b free, but eventually, it became my sideline

How is your current status as a freelancer and businesswoman?

Our car service shop is currently well with around Php 30,000 pesos – Php 42,000 net revenue and we are currently working on further developing our second business of hollow block production

As a freelancer, I have five (5) regular clients that I charge Php 500 per paper, excluding the retainer fee of Php 2,000 Currently, my client list is still growing and I’m also assisting other businesses establish their own social media presence

What is your advice for others considering freelance career?

I’d like to remind them that there is no specific time to start freelancing, it is not too late nor too early Nevertheless, it depends greatly on the willingness and motivation of the person to learn and expand their competencies

For those who do not have knowledge on ICT and do not use it for their businesses, take training opportunities to expand your skills most especially the free trainings offered by the DICT Also, take advantage of DICT Free Wi-Fi connection if available in your location

In recognition of the Department's forged partnerships with various institutions and highlight the programs, activities, and projects of the region, DICT MIMAROPA auspiciously closed 2022 through the opportune conduct of the Multi-Stakeholders Engagement Summit last December 16, 2022 via Zoom platform. The event is in line with the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau’s (ILCDB) continuous pursuit towards ICT capacity development for Filipinos and a venue to recognize crucial partnerships that have greatly contributed to the success of its project implementation in MIMAROPA

For their unwavering support and invaluable partnership leading to the advancement of the ICT development in the region, DICT conferred the Plaque of Recognition to the following partners:

The regional office is indebte shared the office’s vision an an ICT-empowered MIMAROPA The summit also served as a platform to showcase the various flagship programs of the DICT and provide updates on the Department’s implementation.

Do you have a unique startup idea? Are you into innovation and technopreneurship? Then you have the potential to be the next DICT Philippine Startup Challenge Champion!

Take it from the student startup teams of MIMAROPA Region Last October 17, 2022, the DICT Region IV-B through the ICT Industry Development Burea held the Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) 7 - Regional Pitching Competition at the Palawan State University Amphitheater, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Joined by 12 Startup teams from the different provinces of the region, three (3) teams were hailed winners of the Regional Pitching Competition The competition also became an opportunity for the aspiring startup founders to socialize and build network connections

Out of the three (3) Startup Winners, young innovators of GORA Booking Services from the Palawan State University proudly represented MIMAROPA Region in the PSC 7 Final Competition GORA was able to bag First Runner Up during the National Competition Their success is a testimony that Startup Industry in the MIMAROPA Region is continuously thriving

DICT MIMAROPA continuously conducts startup awareness activities from Startup 101 to 102 to assist and encourage aspiring startup enthusiasts in the region

What are you waiting for? Join the next Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) 7 - Regional Startup Competition and you could be MIMAROPA’s next startup champion! As Jeff Bezos, the Founder, and CEO of Amazon once said, “Do not limit yourself to just thinking about your ideas Learn to make it happen ”

To encourage and capacitate Local Government Units in participating in the annual Digital Governance Awards, the ICT Industry Development Bureau of DICT MIMAROPA successfully concluded its two-day DGA Online Writeshop for LGUs last September 27-28, 2022

Different LGU Representatives from the MIMAROPA Region actively participated in the writeshop which helped them learn and understand more about the mechanics, guidelines, and preparations needed for the Digital Governance Awards 2022

Overall, the writeshop served as an avenue in encouraging the LGUs to submit their entries for the 2022 DGA

The DGA is an annual search for best practices among LGUs in utilizing ICT to effectively and efficiently deliver its public services directly to its constituents and to its business stakeholders. By drawing attention to the best practices in integrating ICT capabilities and solutions, the different sectors of society and government units are enabled in their roles as catalysts of change With the DGA strategy, the IIDB, DILG, and NICP envisions the proliferation of revolutionary ICT initiatives in the country that will support clearer, wider, and faster access to and delivery of information in our local government

To achieve better e-governance system and seamless delivery of government services, the DICT has automated the regulatory processes of local government units (LGUs) in their issuance of the business permit through the enhancement and implementation of a cloud-based Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS) software, now rebranded as eLocal Government Unit.

The eLGU, offered for free, enables cities and municipalities to process applications for business permits and other related permits, certificates, and licenses electronically The eLGU also covers the processing of business permits, building permits, certificate of occupancy, and barangay clearance and continuously expands to cover additional frontline services of local governments. As of this writing, 35 LGUs in MIMAROPA have adopted DICT’s eLGU Business Permit and Barangay Clearance (BPBC) System and 3 more LGUs are scheduled for BPBC launching Out of the 35 LGUs, 12 m er adoption of the Building Permit and Certificate of Oc e of the BPBC beneficiaries, Mayor Milagros nga of Banton, Romblon narrates how their n of DICT's eLGU transformed their business ssuance and how it solved the challenges of their processes: o eBPLS ( now eLGU), there were many delays cklogs in the issuance of business permits and lated services in our municipality As a fifth-class ality, Banton has a very limited funs so we hire additional manpower to help the BPLO in s permit processing, with this the BPLO was ng in catering to many applicants, especially in three weeks of January. By the time eBPLS was launched in Bantion, it became more convenient on our part, the job became easier, and applicants spent less time applying for business permits https://tinyurl.com/E-GovernanceTestimonial

In our continuous pursuit towards One Digitized Competitive Philippine Economy, DICT MIMAROPA, led by Dir Cheryl Ortega hosted the iBPLS Summit on December 1, 2022 through Zoom and Facebook Live.

In collaboration with its partner agencies, LGUs, and business owners of the region, the Summit explored and advocated the adoption of the eLGU and best practices in streamlining of processes in the government, recognized outstanding LGUs in terms of eLGU implementation, and explored the eLGU features automating the process of business permit, building permit, barangay clearance and certificate of occupancy issuances

In pursuant to the department’s mission to provide wholistic support towards complete Covid-19 recovery through assistance in vaccination activities, technical support on equipment and connectivity were provided to local government units (LGUs) of the MIMAROPA region The MIMAROPA Data Resiliency for Ease of Access and Management (DREAM) Team, together with Free Wifi for All (FW4A), were able to provide internet connection through the deployment of rocket sims, routers, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and LHG LTE kits to assist on the encoding and uploading of linelists of vaccinated individuals Total of 28 LGUs were the recipients of the internet connection on which 13 of it were recipients of the LHG LTE kit with simcard, 2 LGUs for VSAT and 13 with routers and sim cards

On the other hand, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 50 Samsung tablets were lent to LGUs based on the assessment made that needs equipment support and depending on the available encoders It was on the month of March 2022 through the help of the DICT provincial office, tablets were deployed to the 14 LGUs coming from the provinces of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Palawan and received by their respective municipal mayors and data managers These tablets are being used by the LGUs to encode the linelist of vaccinated individual through the DVAS-M system The first batch of tablets were lent to the LGUs for a period of three (3) months and subject for extension and being reminded of their responsibility on taking care of the equipment

DICT Region IV’s tribute commended the contributions of active partners in support to the uploading of vaccination data and the overall convergence of our efforts in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic and holistic recovery of the region

Provincial and Local Chief Executives, and Directors and Heads of Offices of Key Partner Agencies came together to jointly recognize the MIMAROPA model Provincial and Local Government Units and agencies whose efforts have proven pivotal in addressing the challenges of the pandemic.

In recognition of the efforts of Provincial and Local Government Units, and key partner agencies towards the holistic recovery of the MIMAROPA Region from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, DICT 4B, under the leadership of Dir Cheryl C Ortega and in partnership with DICT R4A, conducted the momentous Gawad Pasasalamat at Parangal 2022: 'A Tribute to the Modern Heroes of Pandemic' last September 15, 2022 at Lima Park Hotel, Malvar, Batangas

Strengthening its cybersecurity foundations, DICT MIMAROPA is proud to announce the creation of its Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (RCERT). Together with our trained Point-of-Contacts (POCs) and partner agencies such as the NCERT, PNP, NBI, CICC and NPC, this initiative ensures that the region is able to provide assistance and address the increasing cybersecurity incident reports received by the region

Relatively, the regional office, in partnership with the National Computer Emergency Team (NCERT) managed to conduct three Foundations of Computer Emergency Response Team (FCERT) Trainings made exclusive for the Local Government Units, National Government Agencies and the Academe sector within the region The training, spanning three days for each conduct, focused on the developing skills on CERT and Cybersecurity Incident Response, Threats and Scenario-Based Training, CERT Operation Tabletop Exercises, and Collaborative CERT Operations in Handling Cybersecurity To date, a total of 267 qualified Point-of-Contacts (POCs) from the MIMAROPA region were trained and equipped with knowledge in handling cybersecurity incidents

On top of these, the regional office issued 2835 CPD accredited training certificates to its Licensed Professional Teacher cybersecurity training graduates and cultivated over 8,589 individuals through the conduct of 35 Cybersecurity advocacy training programs with partner agencies

Last October, in celebration of the 2022 National Cybersecurity Month, DICT MIMAROPA focused in developing cybersecurity consciousness among 1,048 participants coming from various sectors and organizations This effort of both regions enforced well-aware and cyber-smart individuals, learning four specific modules with highlights on the Cyber Threat Landscape, Common Cyber Threats and Cyber Hygiene, Digital Competency and Cybersecurity at Home during the weekly caravan

A call for a cybersafe Philippines starts with cyber ready individuals, and the Cybersecurity Bureau of the DICT MIMAROPA is more than ready to take further measures, to not only continue what was started but exceed what is already achieved.

Days before the election, DICT MIMAROPA deployed its regional and provincial teams across all provinces of the region to offer Philippine National Public Key (PNPKI) technical assistance to the Commission on Election (COMELEC) during the preparation for the upcoming 2022 Local and National elections With the election just moments away, DICT remained on standby ready to assist the technical hubs as coordinated with COMELEC In partnership with DICT, DepEd was able to fast-track the registration of teachers and personnel with the DepEd LMS as the online platform

PNPKI, a core service offered by DICT that enables the exchange of private data securely, is a new requirement by COMELEC for all public school teachers who will serve as Electoral Board Members Available to all government employees, agencies, and private individuals, the PNPKI is a virtual key that lets its users encrypt or conceal data into a code and embed important transactions like email exchange in order to protect it from hackers PNPKI will foster trust in the g nline transactions.

As more and more people rely on the use of online applications over unsecure network like the Internet, the need to secure files and ensure their information integrity increases With this consideration, DICT MIMAROPA has issued 3,984 PNPKI Certificates processed including those issued to partner government agencies and regular citizens The office has also deployed over 49 PNPKI Orientations with 13,411 participants oriented

With torrential rains, violent winds, landslides, and storm surges, Typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai and recorded as the second costliest typhoon in the Philippines, left Palawan virtually disconnected with affected areas striving to get hold of clean water, continuous flow of electrical supply, and resumption of normal communication When all communication outside the province was virtually cut, DICT provided communication assistance reconnecting government agencies and Palaweños once again

Palawan, being considered as one of the safest provinces in the Philippines, was one of the hardest hit areas within the island of Luzon There were reported casualties and major roads became impassable due to landslides while bridges were destroyed, if not completely carried away by flashfloods Commercial powers were shut down and telecommunication lines were disrupted. Even online financial transactions such as online banking, which was supposedly expected to be a source of aid during the cash-strapped situation, were non-operational for the province due to the absence of connectivity

The DICT, one of the lead agency under Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, spearheaded the responses to recover from loss of communication across the province DICT staff braved through the situation to connect Palaweños with their loved ones within or outside of the areas.

Local Government Units and National Government Agencies were provided with free use of DICT Palawan’s satellite phone to communicate reports and coordinate with their respective reporting offices facilitating the faster emergency and recovery response operation of partner agencies Free charging stations using the generator sets and the solar panel power supply were also set-up to allow residents to power up their devices Another hindrance during the aftermath was the loss of communication in DICT Palawan’s Point of Presence where its fiber optic line was also not operational due to fiber line cuts

Good thing be noted, the Department was able to activate Very Small Aperture Terminal equipment within the affected areas A total of 5 VSAT units were installed within the province including the following: 1 2 3 4 5

DICT Palawan (in partnership with BCNET); PDRRMO Palawan; Roxas, Palawan; Paly Island, Taytay, Palawan; and San Vicente, Palawan epartment of Information and Communications Technology ended th a bang with five projects shortlisted in the International munications Union's 2023 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes, two of which are from Region IV Representing the Philippines, the entries were selected amongst hundreds of submissions from more than 140 stakeholder countries of the WSIS forum.

These sites became the KonekTawag Centers within the province that provided free internet usage by powering up calls and messaging applications, free charging of devices and use of satellite phone credits (DICT Palawan KonekTawag Center) DICT MIMAROPA remains steadfast in strengthening the government capacity in disaster preparedness response and recovery to become the country more resilient especially in the use of ICT.

Bridging and Overcoming Network and E-Service Challenges in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan

Empowering lives in prisons through Information and Communication Technologies Support by voting for the following projects under the respective categories until �������������� ����, ��������

WSIS is a global contest developed to create a platform in recognition of the projects and activities that leverage the power of Information and Communication Technologies to advance sustainable development

In recognition of its contributions towards the realization of a progressive MIMAROPA and breakthrough partnerships towards bridging the digital divide in the region, DICT MIMAROPA was conferred a number of awards and recognition

One of the lead agencies in support to the Department of Health’s PinasLakas Vaccination Campaign, the regional office was recognized as Vaccination Champion Partner during the Department of Health's Gabi ng Pasasalamat

The regional office was also commended by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Mimaropa as BJMP MIMAROPA’s Best 2022 Special Awardee for the office’s contributions to the program and thrusts of and to personnel and jail units all towards the betterment of jail service

An advocate for advancement of education, our DICT MIMAROPA - Oriental Mindoro's efforts towards promotion of quality education in Oriental Mindoro was also recognized during the Schools Division of Ca

As DICT M and the public for its continuous service excellence, Your DICT Mimaropa is committed to sustaining its delivery of key ICT Services to all sectors of the community

Right into the heart of Gender Development, DICT key Projects, Head, and Regional Offices tackled GAD Mainstreaming and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) with USAID GAD Resource Person Ms. Gichelle Cruz during the GAD Planning and Budgeting 2023 at Calatagan Batangas last October 11 - 14, 2023 l Development Maria Teresa Camba urged t p p g g D in the organization The planning session focused on the development of gender lens and integration of gender-inclusivity with eight (8) strategic objectives: (1) Expansion and inclusivity of economic opportunities; (2) Improving access and connectivity; (3) Seamless delivery of Government Services; (4) ICT-driven governance; (5) Safe and secure cyberspace and disaster-resilient communities; (6) Streamline learning and fund utilization; (7) Staff Welfare; and (8) DICT GAD Mainstreaming.

With the successful GAD Planning and Budgeting, DICT is optimistic in developing a workspace that is welcoming and empowering to all sectors of society, and systems that are equitable, sustainable, violence-free, human rights-centered and supportive towards the actualization of all human potentials

"For 4 days, our workshop results are foreseen to effectively contribute to the drafting of 2023 GAD Plan and Budget in order to enhance the work and achieve better gender equality results as we extend it to the people that we serve," Director Chery Ortega, of DICT Region IV-A and IV-B host regions, shared with high hopes