Testing by Irvin Obcemane

EDITORIAL BOARD PUBLISHER Cheryl C. Ortega Regional Director EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Maria Graciela R. Bucad Head-Technical Operations Division

LAYOUT ARTISTS John Patrick L. Hernandez Benjie F. Fajarito Irvin T. Obcemane Laarni F. Tolentino ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS Nicole N. Matib Yzle Marie Balita Jose Carmelo Cueto Maria Vironica Evangelio Sherie Ann Gubot Ralph Spencer Talagtag Catherine Cueto Charmaine Camille Maralit April Rose Clemeno Gemma Losloso Jerica Dalisay Danica Alaan Hazel Pagao Jeanette Asi Ritchell Arquilita Jennifer Isabela Mary Rose Cortez Lara Veronica Luna

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Raiza Joyce A. Mendoza Margarette Shane B. Dagbay Ma Alyssa T. Tomagan

Indeed, 2021 has been a challenging yet prolific ride in the service of our fellow Filipinos. And as we have concluded the year, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to the DICT executives, to our partner agencies, institutions and local government units, for all the unwavering support and guidance that has contributed to our cluster’s success. And to my LC3 Family from the Regional Cluster Office Personnel down to the MIMAROPA and BICOL Provincial Teams, salute to everyone’s commitment with public service, know that without your equal determination and hard works, none of this would have been possible. Because it is in fact true that “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”– Henry Ford

- Dir. Cheryl C. Ortega Director, DICT Luzon CLuster 3

CONTENTS CONNECT

27. DICT INTO DIGITALIZATION: C3 HELD ITS CLUSTER-WIDE IBPLS SIMULTANEOUS VIRTUAL LAUNCHING

03. D.I.Y. WI-FI NO MORE Phasellus viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet.

31. THIRTEEN SEEMED LUCKY AFTER ALL

05. SITIO LIPATA:

33. ICT COUNCIL AS LEAD TO PROVINCE OF MASBATE’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Paddling its way towards ICT.

07. THE GOVERNMENT NETWORK INTERCONNECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICES: The Way Towards Coordinated and Simplified Public Service.

HARNESS Quisque rutr um viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet.

EMPOWERING THE 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY THROUGH THE DICT-EDUCATION-ENTERPRISE SYNERGY: Forging partnerships with different SUCS & government agencies to establish the right and up-todate educational infrastructure.

13. DICT LC3: AN ACCREDITED CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) PROVIDER for Licensed Professional Teachers and Licensed Electronics Engineers.

15. DICT'S TECH4ED FOR SCHOOLS PACKAGE: Enabling schools in taking the leap to digital transformation.

Cities of Legazpi and Puerto Princesa.

36. ICT INDUSTRY ROADMAP FOR THE CITY OF CRYSTAL-CLEAR SPRINGS 37. NICP 13TH ANNUAL SUMMIT:

09. DIGITALJOBSPH

11.

35. EARLY ADOPTERS:

17. LC3 TECH4EDAWARDS 2021 19. TECH4ED DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING AND WEBINARS Equiping Bridging the Digital Divide.

INNOVATE 21. AN “ICT” RAINBOW AFTER THE STORM 23. CAMARINES SUR TOOK A STEP TOWARDS DIGITALIZATION WITH DICT IBPLS 25. IBPL S SUMMIT: EMPOWERED BY INNOVATION

Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times.

39. PSC 2021 PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY GEARING TOWARDS A BETTER PHILIPPINE

PROTECT 47. ICT SOLUTIONS AMIDNATION’S BATTLE AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 49. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE: Securing Digital Transactions, Securing the Future.

51. CYBERSECURITY: Onwards towards a CyberSafe Philippines.

53. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT 54. GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

FEEDBACK FORM https://bit.ly/ICTamplifiedEval

Free Wi-fi for All

D.I.Y WI-FI, NO MORE ! by Maria Vironica Evangelio

Do you wonder about things and get to the point where you try to do it yourself and make it happen? In this day and age, with all the available technological resources, it’s easy to develop something that would conform to everyone’s convenience. The residents of Ambil Island are no strangers in terms of ingenuity or DoIt-Yourself projects. With the clamor for internet connectivity not waning ever since the start of the COVID19 pandemic, people of Ambil navigated their own way to accessibility.

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Featured in a Philippine weekly television news magazine show, Barangay Ambil is an island situated behind the mainland town of Looc, Occidental Mindoro. Nevertheless, even with the presence of a communications tower in the mainland, Ambil is nearly considered a dead spot due to its remote location. As a result, settlers find their way up the mountains to gain signal as a means to support students in online classes, small online business owners, as well as locals who wish to contact distant relatives. The urgency of communication systems pushed the locals to develop a way to boost signals and internet service in their own peculiarity using 20-meterlong poles made of bamboo to emulate a tower. With a small bucket atop the pole tailored to protect devices, locals pulley their phones in an attempt to get better signal for Wi-Fi hotspots. And as this D.I.Y proved to be effective, almost all households in the area adopted this trend.

THE DICT TEAM TRAVELLED A 2-HOUR BOAT RIDE FROM THE PORT OF CALATAGAN TO REACH THE REMOTE ISLAND OF AMBIL IN OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

ONE OF THE RESIDENTS OF AMBIL ENJOYING DICT’S FREE WI-FI FOR ALL FOR THE FIRST TIME

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Notwithstanding this inventive approach, the DICT Luzon Cluster 3, whose mandate is to bridge digital gaps in the country, responded to the community’s need for secured and stable internet connectivity through the Free Wi-Fi for All Program’s implementation of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology that provisioned free internet access to four (4) sites within the island namely Tambo Elementary School, Ambil Barangay Hall, Ambil Plaza and Ambil Basketball Court. The VSAT technology is most suited in the island as it offers a range of unique benefits such as mobility and scalability that can serve users even in the most secluded locations. As Ambil went from a dead spot to a hotspot, it is now ready to transition to its goal of being an Accessible, Meaningful, Barangay with Innovative Learning project which is a headway towards an ICT progressive countryside. Also, notably vital amid the pandemic, the internet enabled students to continue education, made remote work possible and allowed families to stay connected. Ultimately, with the availability of DICT’s free services, the locals consider their prayers answered: no more long mountain treks and no more D.I.Y Wi-Fi.

Crossing seas, hopping islands, DICT will leave no one behind.

- Maria Vironica Evangelio

Free Wi-fi for All

INSTALLATION OF THE PARABOLIC DISH NEAR AMBIL BRGY. HALL THAT PROVISIONED THE FREE INTERNET ACCESS TO 4 SITES WITHIN THE ISLAND

Free Wi-fi for All

SITIO LIPATA:

Paddling its way towards ICT

Residents of Sitio Lipata flocked to the Yellow School of Hope as they start experiencing free and secured internet connection

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In a world where people’s needs are just one click away, it is unfortunate that not everyone experiences the same. This situation highlights the separation between the developed communities, where technological advancements are easily accessible, and the unserved and underserved communities, trailing behind. Thus, deeming internet access a privilege rather than a right. As the lead agency for telecommunications technology, DICT is committed to breaking that notion and make digitalization available for all, extending its reach to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas like Sitio Lipata where settlers are geared to reshape their lives for good. A 2-hour boat ride from the town of Caramoan, Sitio Lipata is a tiny fishing village in the remote island of Lahuy, Camarines Sur devoid of electricity and communication

services only depending on solar lamps and generator sets to be able to make ends meet. Their plight contributed to what they consider as the most challenging of all: education. With the lack of available mechanisms, children walk long miles to be able to reach school, limited by educational resources, that in turn resulted in the alarmingly high number of dropouts in the area. It is in 2019 that the DICT Luzon Cluster 3 opened its doors to Sitio Lipata and marked the establishment of Bangkarunungan Tech4ED Center. Housing laptops and various equipment, this serves as the community’s ICT hub that brought digital literacy and DICT services closer. However, even with this step, the provision of communication support is fundamentally essential to the locals that will altogether complement the already available resources.

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Luzon Cluster 3 through its Free Wi-Fi for All Program spearheaded the installation of solar powered Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology that delivered free internet access at Lipata Elementary School maximizing a total of 4 access points situated at the Main Building, Right Building, Left Building and Bahay Basa. The VSAT technology rapidly addresses the communication needs of the geographical challenge of the island in addition to its solar power feature that is advantageous against the absence of electricity.

It is in 2019 that the DICT Luzon Cluster 3 opened its doors to Sitio Lipata and marked the establishment of Bangkarunungan Tech4ED Center. Housing laptops and various equipment, this serves as the community’s ICT hub that brought digital literacy and DICT services closer. However, even with this step, the provision of communication support is fundamentally essential to the locals that will altogether complement the already available resources.

The significant change brought about by the Free Wi-Fi for All realizes the DICT’s vision of an ICT enabled nation. Teachers now use online materials and interactive teaching methods, students get to expand their knowledge, and residents no longer wait in the shorelines to catch signals and reach their loved ones. In the pursuit of inclusive growth and promoting lifelong opportunities, the DICT Luzon Cluster 3 uplifted the education and way of life of the people of Sitio Lipata. The heartfelt joy in the eyes of the children and the beaming smiles of the locals unequivocally added spark to DICT’s advocacy of leaving no one behind.

Recognizing the need to accelerate connectivity to improve the quality of life and education, the DICT

Free Wi-fi for All

A 2-hour boat ride from the town of Caramoan, Sitio Lipata is a tiny fishing village in the remote island of Lahuy, Camarines Sur devoid of electricity and communication services only depending on solar lamps and generator sets to be able to make ends meet. Their plight contributed to what they consider as the most challenging of all: education. With the lack of available mechanisms, children walk long miles to be able to reach school, limited by educational resources, that in turn resulted in the alarmingly high number of dropouts in the area.

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THE GOVERNMENT NETWORK

CONNECT ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES NATIONWIDE!

THE WAY TOWARDS COORDINATED AND SIMPLIFIED PUBLIC SERVICE

Equipping future public leaders to transform the way governments

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INTERCONNECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICES:

The Government Network is geared towards interconnecting national government agencies in the country through the use of a fiber optic technology and deployment of necessary ICT Infrastructure. Legazpi GovNet, which is included in the Phase I Regional GovNet implementation, was fully established in 2017 with most of its beneficiary agencies situated in the Regional Government Center in Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay. The network is maintained and secured 24/7 to ensure smooth, more efficient and uninterrupted delivery of public services. In 2021, through the Cluster’s initiative, Legazpi GovNet had a total of forty-two (42) agencies connected to the network. Agencies are provided with high-speed broadband connection to support its daily operation and meet the rising expectation of its clients for a digital service. The Cluster has successfully connected 10 agencies - 8 of which are new agencies; the DEPED Schools Division Office Legazpi City, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Bureau of Local Government and Finance (BLGF), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Interior and Local Government – Albay (DILG) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region V, while two (2) are reconnected agencies which was previously disconnected due to the road widening project of the government; the National Economic Development and Authority (NEDA) and Civil Service Commission (CSC). The Cluster ramped up its efforts to connect the said agencies to meet its rising need for internet technology to support its daily operations. To mention, the DSWD awarded the DICT a Vulcan Award to recognize its effort in connecting them to the GovNet and providing them with free internet service.

Government Network

digitaljobsPH

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Amidst slowing economic activity, COVID-19 has led to rise the digital transformation in the Philippines. As “going digital” become the new normal, transition rapidly occurred and every services adopt to this change. There is a significant growth involved in accelerating digital transformation in Philippine economy. According to AlphaBeta, an economic consultancy firm based in Singapore, the Philippines digital economy can make up to Php 5 trillion through digital transformation by 2030. However, the country is facing challenges in digital tools and skills to fully adapt in this transformation. To realize this digital opportunity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its digitaljobsPH program, has been providing technical training in improving digital skills development. The program promotes online job opportunities and development of online freelancing industry in the Philippines. This program aims to provide alternative learning options and opportunities for the people during the pandemic period through online skills development at the comfort of their homes. The digitaljobsPH has been offering ICT courses for Filipinos since 2016. Courses offered were selected based on the current needs in the ICT field. Various courses are also offered focusing on Women, Teachers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Persons with Disability (PWD). These sectors are given courses tailor fit to their needs and capabilities.

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In 2021, DICT Luzon Cluster 3 was able to produce 356 graduates with a total Freelancer Sales 503,847.38 and MSME Sales 31,624.00. These sales are part of the campaign wherein trainees have the chance to earn by showcasing what they have learned during the training. Technical trainings for different sectors were also successfully done leaving them new skills to use as they take a new leap of their career journey. This 2022, the DICT aims to continue providing technical trainings for Filipinos including those from different sectors. Employability of the country will be raised as the career of the online freelancers tagged as OFW version 2 or the Online Filipino Workers increase. Digital transformation can be achieved and Philippine digital economy will continue to rise and give new hope for everyone.

digitaljobsPH

ICT LITERACY AND COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

Empowering the 21st century economy through the DICT-Education-Enterprise Synergy: Forging partnerships with different SUCS & government agencies to establish the right and up-to-date educational infrastructure

- Danica B. Alaan With the advent of globalization and opening up of the economy to the outside world, competition among industries has become stiff. Similarly, there is an urgent need to prepare students for jobs in multinational companies by exposing them to newer technologies and engineering methodologies. In the traditional talent cultivation model, higher education prioritizes theories and concepts but neglects practices and capabilities. Talent supply and demand are somewhat disconnected, and the model struggles to support the industry’s development. In this context, a long-term strategy that includes resource sharing, complementary advantages, and joint development between universities and enterprises is needed to efficiently match the talent supply with the demand; achieve mutual benefits among universities, enterprises, and their talents; and support the industry’s development.

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Theoretically, the cooperation between universities and enterprises can be a key in promoting a solution to the talent dilemma. In practice, however, cooperation between universities and enterprises can be difficult to implement. The challenge is to achieve efficient communication between the ICT industry and the education industry and solve the talent shortage problem. To address this problem, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) has come up with a comprehensive solution that covers the entire talent development process from course development, trainer enablement, to lab environment setup, and from talent certification, competition, up to employment. The solution works with the government, universities, and enterprises to build a new ICT talent development model and an effective talent ecosystem. It also provides multi-dimensional solutions for different types of talent and different levels of needs to ensure that school-enterprise cooperation solutions effectively match the needs of higher education institutions and enterprises, and promote the development of various types of ICT talent.

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This partnership also intends to synergize in providing awareness, skills training, and competency across all sectors of Philippine society using DICTdeveloped courseware. It also seeks to collaborate on Apprenticeship/ Onthe-Job Training initiatives by the partner institution targeted for graduating ICT students.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership with DICT aims to provide ICT awareness, literacy, and skills development across all sectors of the Philippine society on new, emerging, and/or existing technologies and computer application packages developed by the DICT.

In the ICT talent ecosystem, it aims to become a foundation for cultivating digital economy talent. In the new era of ICT development, through furthering cooperation between schools and enterprises, it aims to align school majors and industry sectors, course content and professional qualifications, teaching structures, and production processes, and talent development and employment. By bridging the gap between the demand of enterprises and the supply from schools, high hopes to provide more technical and skillful talent, more advanced technologies, and more support to innovation and entrepreneurship, together with sustainable development of the ICT industry can be achieved.

ICT LITERACY AND COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

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DICT LC3: An Accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider for Licensed Professional Teachers and Licensed Electronics Engineers

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The Department of Information and Communications Technology Luzon Cluster 3 (DICT-LC3) works dedicatedly on partnering with national government agencies, schools and private institutions nationwide to be able to share knowledge, skills and expertise related to Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

ICT LITERACY AND COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

In 2021, it was a remarkable accomplishment of the cluster to have been accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a CPD provider for both teachers and electronics engineers which has become of great assistance for the professionals during the renewal of their PRC licenses, with CPD units being a mandatory requirement for the renewal of the Professional Identification Card of all registered and licensed professionals under the regulation of the PRC. By then, not only has LC3 become a channel offering free training courses for both Digital Education and Digital Workforce but has likewise provided them the opportunity to earn CPD for free.

Tech4ED

DICT'S TECH4ED FOR SCHOOLS PACKAGE: Enabling schools in taking the leap to digital transformation

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- Hazel D. Pagao With this, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – Luzon Cluster 3 is pleased to have provided Tech4ED for Schools 2019 packages to six (6) schools in the provinces of MiMaRoPa and Bicol regions. Each of the beneficiary schools received 27 computers with eLearning resources (21 for the ICT room and 6 for the library). The DICT's Tech4ED for Schools Package Program strives to give the underprivileged and marginalized schools, communities, and individuals access to ICT. Imelda Elementary School in Camarines Norte, Santiago Integrated School in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon East Central School in Sorsogon, Porfirio G Comia Memorial Elementary School in Oriental Mindoro, Odiongan North Central Elementary School

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Sorsogon East Central School Tech4ED Center Being Utilized as a venue for students who competed in the Virtual Preliminaries of the Palarong Pambansa Chess Competition

Students, teachers, and the general public can now use the centers' computers to access the internet for free, in accordance with the national government and local government units' (LGU) health guidelines. These computers also have the "Tech4ED Platform," which includes resource segments such as "eEduSkills," which has e-learning modules, and "Starbooks," which contains thousands of digitized science and technology learning materials in a variety of media, including text, audio, and video. The Sorsogon East Central School Tech4ED Center was able to assist kids from the Province of Sorsogon who represented their province in the Virtual Preliminaries of the Palarong Pambansa Chess Competition, which is a great example of optimizing the center's utilization. The DICT takes pride and appreciation to each center's Center Managers, who are responsible for the center and its clients. They also go above and beyond by offering their own digital literacy training to their colleagues. A good example is the School Learning Action Cell (SLAC) Session of PGCMES Teachers - Hands on Training on Basic Photoshop and Canva for Education which was conducted by the Center Manager of Porfirio G Comia Memorial Elementary School Tech4ED Center. As a result, DICT is grateful and proud of its Tech4ED Program, which is a crucial component of the department’s Digital Philippines Vision's Digital Classrooms component wherein the program provides for a venue for studying, working, and accessing online government services in the digitally underserved and unserved areas of the country.

Tech4ED

School Learning Action Cell (SLAC) Session of PGCMES Teachers - Hands on training on Basic Photoshop and Canva for Education Which was conducted by the Center Manager of Porfirio G Comia Memorial Elementary School Tech4ED Center

Tech4ED

LC3 TECH4ED AWARDS 2021 - Jeannette L. Asi

In acknowledgment of the best and finest Tech4ED Centers in the cluster, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) - Luzon Cluster 3 has conducted the LC3 Tech4ED Awards, an avenue to recognize the exemplary performances and extraordinary efforts, as valuable Tech4ED Partners in MIMAROPA and Bicol Regions. LC3 Tech4ED Awards sought to distinguish exemplary Tech4ED Centers in the cluster into two (2) categories: Emerging category, for centers in existence for less than two (2) years; and Outstanding category, for those centers existing for two (2) years and above.

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This year’s winners for Emerging Category are Buklathon Tech4ED Center (1st place), LGU Guinobatan FITS Tech4ED Center (2nd place), and Filminera Resources Corporation Tech4ED Center (3rd place). And for the Outstanding Category, here are the hailed Tech4ED Centers from the cluster: CNPWD Knowledge Resource Tech4ED Center (1st place), LGU Sablayan Tech4ED Center (2nd place), BJMP Labo District Jail Tech4ED Center (3rd place). All winners received a Plaque of Recognition and ICT package for their invaluable services and performances. The ceremony also highlighted the sustainability of Tech4ED Centers in the cluster, honoring twentyone (21) centers which are operational for more than five (5) years, these are Santa Cruz Marinduque Tech4ED Center, Paracale Camarines Norte Tech4ED Center, Jose Panganiban Camarines Norte Tech4ED Center, Tabaco City Tech4ED Center, Iriga City Library Tech4ED Center, Baras Rural Development High School Tech4ED Center, Bato ALS East Tech4ED Center, Pandan School of Arts & Trade Tech4ED Center, Panganiban National High School Tech4ED Center, San Andres Vocational School Tech4ED Center, DICT Daet Camarines Norte Tech4ED Center, Province Of Masbate SDO Tech4ED Center, Palanas Tech4ED Center, DICT Palawan Tech4ED Center, Palawan ITBI Tech4ED Center, Puerto Princesa City Library Tech4ED Center, Odiongan Municipal Hall Tech4ED Center, DICT Romblon Tech4ED Center, LGU Prieto Diaz Tech4ED Center, Brgy. San Rafael Prieto Diaz Tech4ED Center, and Sorsogon Provincial Library Tech4ED Center; and there are also four (4) centers operating for more than ten (10) years and these are Irosin Municipal Library Tech4ED Center, LGU Mogpog Tech4ED Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Tech4ED Center, and Talisay Camarines Norte Tech4ED Center. Lastly, these are the Tech4ED centers which remarkably are still operating for more than fifteen (15) years now: Pinamalayan RIS Hub Tech4ED Center, Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol Tech4ED Center, LGU Boac Tech4ED Center. Each Tech4ED Center received a Plaque of Recognition for the years of dedicated and committed partnership with DICT under the Tech4ED Project.

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In addition, the winners of the LC3 Vlogging Contest 2021 also received recognition. The winner who bagged first place is JO1 George Michael B. Cagas, 2nd place goes to Ms. Angelica C. Banton, and the 3rd place winner is Mr. Carlos Tejerero. This event valued the remarkable contribution of our Tech4ED partners in extending the benefits of relevant ICTenabled services and content for the socio-economic development of unserved and underserved communities of our country towards improved quality of life.

Tech4ED

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Tech4ED

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Equiping Bridging the Digital Divide

Tech4ED Digital Literacy Training and Webinars - Jeannette L. Asi The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recognizes the advancement of digital technologies and ICT-enabled services that can allow the communities to leap towards a more progressive and digitally empowered society. DICT Luzon Cluster 3 Tech4ED project provides the communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals. This project aims to set up community centers around the country where out-of-school youth, senior citizens, housewives, and other underserved sectors of society can have access to online government services and learning modules for skills development, digital literacy, and non-formal education. To maximize the use of centers and reach the target community, Tech4ED provides training to the out-of-school youth & adults, teachers, students, people with disabilities, women, senior citizens, OFWs, their families/relatives, entrepreneurs, indigenous people, and farmers and fisherfolks. These may include but are not limited to, computer literacy, graphic designing, video editing, productivity tools, center management training, and any training that are essential to the digital advancement of the community. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, defining the global health crisis of our time and the biggest challenge we have faced yet, the advancement of digital technologies and ICT-enabled services have somewhat slowed down, especially on our established Tech4ED Centers. In line with this, webinars make holding conferences and meetings possible at any time and place. Those interested individuals can participate in the comfort of their homes by joining via Zoom Communications, Google Meet, or any video conferencing software used by the organizer or by watching the live streaming on Facebook. Based on the 2021 annual report, the Tech4ED project provided 69 Digital Literacy Training for 1,464 pax, 48 webinars with a total of 31, 958 pax, and 56 Center Managers Training for 686 pax. Digital Literacy Training has two modes, face-to-face for those areas allowed by IATF and online via Zoom or Google Meet to reach more participants all over the country. And webinars that can cater to hundreds of participants and are available online so that people can watch the replays on Facebook live.

Tech4ED

Tech4ED project is diligently providing and developing innovative ICT-enabled services and content for the socio-economic development of communities, especially the unserved and underserved communities. This project is looking forward to a wide range of participants and beneficiaries to magnify its objective and make true to its goals.

Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System

An “ICT” Rainbow after - Catherine Cueto the Storm

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Despite the restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic which was exacerbated by Typhoon Odette that slammed several Regions last December causing power and water outage, and loss of internet connectivity, the DICT LC3 has successfully conducted its 2nd batch of Virtual Launching for the Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System or iBPLS: BPBC which was held via online conference through Zoom last December 27, 2021. Considered an ICT leap and rainbow after the storm, seven (7) e-ready LGUs who have showcased readiness to automate their process for business permits were launched at the above mentioned event to include Bula and Canaman from Camarines Sur; Ferrol, Romblon; Camalig, Albay; Rizal, Occidental Mindoro; Quezon, Palawan and Monreal, Masbate. These LGUs were trained, underwent data build-up process, and successfully passed the system testing, making them ready to serve their respective LGUs efficiently and hassle-free. The concluded launching also featured messages of support, congratulatory remarks, and words of encouragement from DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic, Ms. Delia Basada, Project Manager of iBPLS; Dir. Antonio Edward Padre, OIC-GDTB; Atty. Wilhelm Suyko, Regional Director of DILG IV-B; Atty. Anthony Nuyda, Regional Director of DILG V; Dir. Joel Valera, Regional Director of DTI IV-B; Dir. Rodrigo Aguilar, Regional Director of DTI V; and from the Honorable Mayors of each respective LGU that were launched.

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The objective is to assist and support the LGUs towards their digital transformation and to contirubute to the overall improvement of the Philippine competitiveness and ease doing business. With the launch of iBPLS in Municipalities and Provinces, more of our kababayans will now have easier access to basic government services, the iBPLS will not only significantly reduce the requirements and processing time of government transactions but also increase the workplace of our colleagues in the government. - Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic

Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System

On a related note, DICT LC3 Regional Director Cheryl Ortega emphasized the saying of Amazon’s Jeff Bezos that “There is no alternative to digital transformation”, while highlighting the importance of the nation’s transition to digitalization. As these LGUs conquered the step towards the ease of doing business, the DICT committed to continuously provide necessary technical support and assistance for free, not only with the provisioning but also with the proper training and assistance for the configuration, set-up, and testing of the system.

Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System

CAMARINES SUR TOOK A STEP TOWARDS DIGITALIZATION WITH DICT IBPLS

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The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology, as well as the pivotal role of an effective, inclusive, and accountable government, that is why the Department of Information and Communications Technology continuously works on achieving faster national digital transformation in the government, and the society, in collaboration with local industries to build a stronger digital economy. Guided by Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 that aims to streamline the current systems and procedures of government services, the DICT iBPLS introduced a systematic approach focused on streamlining LGUs’ traditional and manual systems to trim down the processing time of business registration and renewal. Recognizing the need to adapt with the transition brought by the chaos of a global crisis coinciding with the greater demand to bolster public service delivery, five (5) additional LGUs in Camarines Sur officially launched and inked partnership following the adoption of Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System (iBPLS) of the DICT.

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It is beyond doubt that public governance is more important than ever in times of crisis, such as the present COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social repercussions. As the country continues to battle with the Coronavirus, the DICT, together with its partner agencies, namely the DILG, DTI, and ARTA takes the lead in providing transparent and ICT-centric governance by urging all Local Government Units (LGUs) to strengthen the digital economy and move towards digitized government transactions to reduce contact, prevent further contagion, and boost their economic activity.

Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System

Among the LGUs who have recently launched iBPLS from the Province of Camarines Sur are Minalabac, Camaligan, San Jose, Bula and Canaman. These LGUs adopted the DICT:iBPLS to optimize their business permit and licensing procedure, thus enabling better service for their citizens. Prior to its full implementation, the system was demoed by the DICT LC3 iBPLS Team to the end-users, and user-friendliness testing was also conducted. More so, front-line Business One-Stop Shop employees were given capacity-building training to prepare them in becoming more dependable and competent users of the system.

Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System

IBPLS SUMMIT: EMPOWERED BY INNOVATION With the DICT’s continued pursuit towards a One Digitized Competitive Philippine Economy, various respected individuals took part in a 2-day insightful and engaging virtual iBPLS Summit 2021 last November 9 to 10, that was spearheaded by the Luzon Cluster 3. All LGUs and business owners in the regions of MIMAROPA and BICOL were invited to the Summit with the theme “Revolutionizing ICT Towards Digital Transformation and One Digitized Economy”. DICT LC3’s very own Regional Director Cheryl Ortega warmly shared her opening remarks on the event to welcome everyone on the Department’s revolutionary and transformative initiative. The iBPLS summit is another testimony that even amidst the challenges of COVID-19 global pandemic, the Philippine government continues to persevere towards the end goal of having a one digitized government leading to a stronger national digital economy through ICT. In the midst of these truly challenging times, the iBPLS project has proven to chase its vision towards streamlining transactions and positively modernizing public service.

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During the iBPLS Summit 2021, DICT LC3’s partner agencies, the DILG, BFP, DTI, ARTA, together with the Honorable Mayors of MIMAROPA and BICOL Regions, were also present thus able to share their intuitions and key points to the event. Ms. Cynthia G. Faurillo of DOF- Bureau of LGU Finance gave her invaluable insights about Electronic Payment and Collection System in the LGU Sector and the way to harness ICT in modernizing the payment and collection system of LGUs. It has been highlighted how the current Covid-19 situation amplifies the need to adopt digital payment platforms. On another note, CINSP Jerickson P. Miraflor of the Bureau of Fire Protection shared a good point regarding the BFP Fire Code Revenue, Requirements, Process and Inspection System that were already implemented at Legazpi City Fire Station in November 2019.

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Through the summit, iBPLS has been discussed on a more profound level and has paved the way to encourage more LGUs to adapt with this innovation that will make it efficient and more convenient for their clients. Relatively, additional 13 LGUs from MIMAROPA and BICOL have been digitally transformed and are now ready to expedite their frontline services seamlessly through their official launching and embracing of the Integrated Business Permit Licensing System. With this, LGUs are given the privilege to provide computerized and automated frontline services, aimed to reduce requirements and processing time to the barest minimum. On the 10th of November, awards were vested upon the Top Performing LGUs from MIMAROPA and BICOL in recognition of their adaptation of streamlined public service. The Rising Star Award, which is entitled to the LGU with the most number of permits processed from the most recently launched batch of LGUs for 2021, is awarded to LGU Bulan, Sorsogon. On the other hand, an LGU for each Region was selected for being the LGU with the most number of business permits processed using iBPLS from the 3rd to the 6th class Municipalities. For Bicol Region, Talisay, Camarines Norte was hailed having processed a total of 525 business permits and for MIMAROPA Region, it was Coron, Palawan who handled a total of 1,724 business permits.

The summit also commenced to grant the iBPLS Champion Awards which are then issued to Labo, Camarines Norte and Coron, Palawan for being the most punctual among LGUs in the region in terms of reporting iBPLS utilization, having the most number of online applications and the ability of serving as a role model to all other iBPLS local government unit partners. This iBPLS project of the DICT has undeniably exhibited to be a great opportunity and stepping stone for those LGUs who have adopted, who are on the way to adopting and to those who have sustained the implementation of the system in their LGUs by introducing the way into a more unified and faster transaction in processing and issuance of business permits. The country is indeed being empowered by innovation now more than ever, especially that it has been evident that the more businesses we produce, the more opportunities for growth and employment are awaiting for us.

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Meanwhile, commendable iBPLS implementation in the 1st and 2nd class municipalities were also acknowledged; and for Bicol Region, Labo, Camarines Norte was granted an award for having the most number of business permits processed with a total of 975 permits. While for the MIMAROPA Region, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro was able to issue a total of 2,295 business permits.

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DICT INTO DIGITALIZATION: C3 HELD ITS CLUSTER-WIDE IBPLS SIMULTANEOUS VIRTUAL LAUNCHING The DICT Luzon Cluster 3, in collaboration with its partner agencies and LGUs in MIMAROPA and Bicol Regions, joined hands in the conduct of a successful Cluster-wide Simultaneous Virtual Launching 2021 last June 15 through Online Conference via Zoom. The Virtual Ceremony led by Regional Director Cheryl Ortega featured the successful LGUs namely Socorro, Bulalacao, and Gloria from the province of Oriental Mindoro; San Vicente and Busuanga from the province of Palawan; Gubat, Barcelona, and Bulan from the province of Sorsogon; Basud, San Vicente, Vinzons, and Mercedes from the province of Camarines Norte; Minalabac, Camaligan, and San Jose from the province of Camarines Sur. Joining these successful LGUs are Banton, Romblon and Tiwi, Albay who were the first LGUs in their respective provinces that were launched for the DICT Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System.

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Sa kasalukuyan, hangad nating na mas marami pang lokal ng pamahalaan ang magkaroon ng eBPLS dahil sa mga susunod na buwan o mga taon ay balak natin makagawa ng isang end to end na sistema sa pagproseso ng business permits electronically o digitally. Higit sa lahat ang digitalization ng ating national at local na pamahalaan ay mas magpapalakas ng digital economy ng bansa para sa hinaharap.

- Gregorio Ballesteros Honasan II

The successful Virtual Launching was participated by the DICT Executives, Honorable Mayors, and DICT LC3 Team to give their congratulatory remarks and inspirational messages. This ceremony likewise became a channel to promote the use of Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System and encourage more LGUs to adopt the system. Through continuous partnerships, the DICT aims to launch more LGUs and will jointly continue to pursue the nation’s progress towards the implementation of iBPLS.

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THIRTEEN SEEMED LUCKY AFTER ALL

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The pandemic radically infused the working world with enormous flexibility that in spite of the many changes brought by the health crisis that hindered the society from providing the usual on-site and face-to-face events such as technical assistance, trainings, and launchings, the DICT has adapted and refocused its strategy by conducting online meeting sessions in the continuous roll-out of its programs and projects. Alongside the conducted successful iBPLS Simultaneous Launching event last November 10, 2021, thirteen (13) commended LGUs who have completed their users training, data build-up, system testing, and the pre-requisites for adopting DICT’s streamlined iBPLS: Business Permit with Barangay Clearance (BPBC) System formally launched the system on the same date. Towards the full implementation of iBPLS in their municipalities, the thirteen LGUs included Mansalay and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro; Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro; Looc and San Jose in Romblon; Culion in Palawan; Libon and Santo Domingo in Albay; Daet in Camarines Norte; Sagñay in Camarines Sur; Mobo and Dimasalang in Masbate; and Pilar in Sorsogon.

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Ang okasyon ito ay alam kong magbubukas sa amin ng mga pagkakataon upang lalo pa mapabuti ang aming kalidad ng serbisyo publiko. Kung kaya ang Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System ay aming ipapatupad at pauunlarin. Layunin nito ang mapabilis at mapaaganda ang transakyson ng ating mamamayan na nagnanais na magnegosyo. Muli po, ang LGU Sablayan ay bukas ang pinto sa ano mang pagbabago at programa ng nais ipatupad ng pamahalaang national.

- Hon . Andres D. Dangeros

Honored guests, DICT executives, directors of partner agencies, honorable mayors and LGUs participated in the virtual launching while expressing their warmest congratulations and messages of support. Secretary Jeremiah Belgica, Director General of ARTA (Anti Red Tape Authority), one of the keynote speakers for the event, addressed his remarks highlighting the Ease of Doing Business Law also known as Republic Act 11032. “Marami po sa mga industriya at mga negosyo ay nagshift na rin ng kanilang mga online platforms dahil sa mga limitadong face to face transactions. Kung kaya po nagkaroon din ng mas mababang risk ng pagkakalat ng Covid-19 virus. Besides safety, it also provides convenience to the people.” Secretary Belgica also emphasized “Ang automation ay imposible ng walang streamlining. Streamlining must first be done and then automation could happen afterwards. We cannot automate unless we streamline.”

Isang magandang programa ito (iBPLS) ng gobyerno, para matulungan natin ang mga MSME sa registration at iba pang documentation ng small at medium enterpreneur. With all of my hope, with your support and assistance (DICT) we can make our economy prosper, develop and improve.

Dir. Joel B. Valera, CESO II Regional Director DTI - Region IV B

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The launching also advocated the adoption of best practices in streamlining of processes in the government through the adoption of ICT-based solutions such as the iBPLS. Aligned with this, the DICT continues to develop unified applications for the ease of doing business wherein aside from the iBPLS:BPBC module, the Department also implements the iBPLS:BPCO or Building Permit with Certificate of Occupancy. Several LGUs are now being trained for the said module and are a few steps away towards fully implementing it in their municipalities.

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ICT COUNCIL AS LEAD TO PROVINCE OF MASBATE’S

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION - April Rose H. Clemeno Through the years, the ICT Councils have proven to be invaluable partners for industry growth and development, serving as a key player for Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry promotion, networking with government, ensuring academe-industry linkages for curriculum development, training, placement-recruitment and providing related assistance that enable and facilitate capability and sustained presence of IT-BPM companies/ players in their respective cities and/or provinces. An ICT Council is a multi-stakeholder organization of local government units, academia, the business community, and support organizations. Masbate Province embraces digital transformation with the primary goal of developing the local ecosystem of the city/province in terms of Infrastructure, Talent, and the Business Environment suitable for the IT-BPM industry and digital economy opportunities.

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On November 23, 2021, twenty-one (21) participants from the National Government Agencies - Masbate Provincial Offices, academe, and business sectors came together to establish the Masbate ICT Council. Masbate DICT Provincial Office with Engr. Zycar G. Ong, the Provincial Officer, and the entire DICT Masbate staff were in charge of the event. The objectives and functions of the ICT Council were discussed, as well as strategies for addressing issues and concerns affecting the growth and development of the province. The highlight of the activity was the election of officials for the Masbate ICT Council who will then spearhead initiatives to fulfill the vision of promoting the IT-BPM industry in the countryside and becoming the enabler and advocate of digital advances. The elected officials were Dr. Erwin H. Malto - President, Dr. Jonald B. Sia - Vice President, Dr. Violeta B. Monticalvo - Secretary, Dr. Gregorio A. Legal - Treasurer, Mr. John Arnold Dela Cruz - Auditor, and PMSg Julius A. Banzuelo as Business Manager. The Board of Directors are Ms. Grazel P. Garcia for Power Sector, Mr. Rey Lorenz P. Narboneta for Agricultural Sector and 2LT Jefferson N. Bordey for the Security Sector.

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With the support of DICT and all of its partners, Masbate, coupled with the passion and pioneering spirit of its elected officials, is taking the lead in establishing itself as a digitally empowered province.

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EARLY ADOPTERS: CITIES OF LEGAZPI AND PUERTO PRINCESA

The Cities of Legazpi and Puerto Princesa are identified as the early key locators for digitalization. The two cities are included in the 2025 Digital Cities Program which blaze the trail in launching their roadmap and embark on their journey to become part of the thriving business districts in the country. The roadmap of the locality advocates the IT-BPM industry towards a digital economy.

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On June 30, 2021, Legazpi City and Puerto Princesa City launched their five-year roadmap to the public. The event was attended, virtually, by the stakeholders, representatives from local government unit (LGU) partners, and potential investors. Local Chief Executives gave their message to encourage investing in their cities and be part of their digitalization. The highlight of this event was the presentation of roadmaps led by their respective ICT Council heads. The project steering committee, which includes the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Emmanuel Rey Caintic, DICT Assist. Secretary Alvin Navarro, IBPAP Trustee Mr. Jonathan De Luzuriaga, and LCP CEO Mr. David Leechiu, shared their insights regarding the presentation and contents of the roadmaps. The roadmaps of the two cities lay down justifications as to why they should be the ones to be selected for investment. These contain enumerations of a number of their resources, talents, infrastructure, business environment, and cost of doing business. Therefore, it is no surprise that they were chosen as two of the ideal locations in the Philippines for the 2025 Digital Cities Program. Still, these cities experience shortcomings and challenges that are mentioned in the roadmap. One of which is the pandemic causing significant disruptions to people’s businesses and the lives of the communities. On the good note, these roadmaps help in battling these unwelcomed circumstances and serve as a window of opportunities for growth and development. With talented and skilled locals preferring to stay in their city as long as there are opportunities, investing here will help create more jobs and ensure continuous improvement of the economy and quality of life through these long-term roadmap plans. Let this vision become a reality: Yes to Legazpi and Puerto Princesa Digital Cities!

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Being one of the chosen few for the 25 digital cities, Iriga City, also known as “The City of Crystal-Clear Springs,” located in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol, have completed their ICT Industry roadmap as part of the Digital Cities Program 2025. This roadmap is one of the basic steps in transforming the cities in the country to digital. It also showcases the City’s readiness and why it is one of the country's key locators for investing in the IT-BPM industry.

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- Gemma O. Losloso

ICT INDUSTRY ROADMAP FOR THE CITY OF CRYSTAL-CLEAR SPRINGS

This Digital Cities Program 2025 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), supports in generating digital jobs in the countryside and strengthens its local governance system. On December 9, 2021, Iriga City successfully launched its five-year roadmap. The event was attended by the marketing potential investors which also gave their pitch and feedback. With the guidance of Atty. Jocelle Bataba-Sigue as their consultant, stakeholders of Iriga City accomplished this roadmap. The roadmap highlights the value of the City to become a thriving business district and viable investment hub for IT-BPM services. It was uploaded to the Digital Cities portal (www. digitalcitiesph.com) to have easy access to their information, especially to those who are interested to have their investment, collaboration, or partnership in the City. In developing the roadmap, they undergo different strategic planning workshops and capacitate the ICT Councils. ICT Council is one of the stakeholders that aims to develop the local ecosystem in infrastructure, talent, and business environment suitable for the IT-BPM industry and opportunities of the digital economy. While Iriga City almost constantly experiences outmigration of professionals and skilled workers due to a lack of employment opportunities, there arise several freelancers here and there. However, some challenges contribute to the seemingly slow-paced development in the City which includes non-organization, unstable internet services, mismatch between skills, education, and industry, few transport options, etc. Despite those, Iriga City has untapped potential, and its use could lead to countless more opportunities for its continued expansion and growth. By looking at their roadmap, it unveils how the City will turn out.

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The excitement to see the next chapter of Iriga City is unparalleled and to witness the efficiency of the City’s implementation are very promising to the potential investors. All of these and more for the attainment of the goal: Making Iriga, A Digital City in 2025.

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NICP 13th Annual Summit:

“ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES” - Jerica M. Dalisay

The aim to help Information Communication Technology (ICT) Councils promote ICT development initiatives and investments led the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), together with the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), to conduct the NICP 13th Annual Summit last November 25 to 26, 2021. The event was hosted by one of the cluster’s most active ICT Councils, Palaweno ICT Association (PICTA), headed by Dr. Mary Joy B. Abueg. In this year’s theme, “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times,” the Summit serves as the avenue to effectively transform ideas into more tangible collaborations and continuously empower the Filipinos in decision-making through the aid of technology during this health challenging period. It is a gathering of ICT Councils, both public and private stakeholders, to share best practices, promote local and provincial government units as investment destinations, and strengthen the ICT ecosystem in the countryside.

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The Summit aims: • to provide an avenue of convergence and consolidation of conversations and strategies in making sure that Filipinos magnify in technologyenabled innovation; • to help promote collaboration of different stakeholders and relevant industries in making digital transformation happen; • to help promote the countryside as a potential hub for IT-BPM and other ICT-focused industries; • to provide an avenue for member councils to discuss and address emerging issues in ICT; and, • to encourage municipalities and cities to establish their ICT Councils.

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Day 1 kick-started with a session focusing on the topic, ”Digital Cities: Empowering the LGU to Innovate.” This was thoroughly discussed by Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin (DICT-IIDB), Assist. Dir. Alfonso Maralli Jr (BLGD), and Hon. Jesus Gary Domingo (Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand). It was followed by an insightful discussion on “The IT-BPM Industry: Shifting the Tide from the World to the Philippine Shores.” Meanwhile, Day 2 beefed up with keynotes from DICT Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic. The day was filled with informative discussions on “Innovation: The Pandemic, Startups, and Ph Industry 4.0” and “The Filipino Cyberspace: Our Roles in Time of Pandemic and Digital Transformation.”

With 1,515 registered participants joining the event, 16 participants received cash prizes from the raffle draws and the Zoomfie Hashtag Contest. The event was wrapped up with the awarding of past NICP Presidents, and the election of NICP Officers, appointing Dr. Abueg as the new NICP President for the years 2022 to 2024.

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Ms. Morris Vincent Agudo (NICP Exec. Director) shared information about the topic, “Next Level: Kanayunan Tech.” Subsequently, Atty. Ricky Salvador talked about the “Upgraded Value through Impactful Collaborations; Countryside Concierge.”

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PSC 2021 Professional Category Gearing Towards a Better Philippine Startup Ecosystem - MA. ALYSSA T. TOMAGAN Aimed at strengthening, promoting, and developing the Philippine Startup Ecosystem, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) launched its sixth (6th) Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 (PSC 2021) last September 2021. The PSC 2021 was elevated to the next level with the addition of a new category for highly competitive Filipino professionals. The annual startup competition, which began in 2016, intends to encourage and support Filipinos in developing innovative and relevant ICT products and services that can grow into viable business ventures and potentially solve social problems. This activity also provides startups with the opportunity to acquire a funding proposal, build strategic partnerships or network with guest participants and/or judges, and receive feedback from industry practitioners and ICT professionals on how to improve the presented startup idea. For 2021, the DICT Luzon Cluster 3 received a total of forty-five (45) entries for the Professional Category, which were screened down to thirty-nine (39) entries, twenty-seven (27) of which were from the National Capital Region (NCR), five (5) from MIMAROPA, and seven (7) from the Bicol Region. Each team was eligible to claim $1500 worth of Huawei Cloud Vouchers and free HMS App Development Training held last November 8, 2021. Prior to the competition, interested startups were given the opportunity to attend a startup workshop and bootcamp designed to ensure that teams are thoroughly prepared and fully equipped with knowledge once they participate in the Philippine Startup Competition 2021 Professional Category.

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The Regional Selection Committee, composed of Ms. April Rose H. Clemeno, Mr. Tiburcio "Jong" Bautista, and Mr. Ismael Jerusalem, deliberated and determined the three (3) regional winners during the two-day Virtual Regional Competition held on October 26-27, 2021. All of the second and third placers of the competition, namely VEA (Virtual Event App) and FeastSaver from NCR, ARAT?G! and FarmRevo from the MIMAROPA Region, as well as Fastlane and GiaSoftDTS from the Bicol Region, advanced to the Semi-Finals to compete for a spot in the finals. The Semi-Finals was held on November 10, 2021 wherein VEA (Virtual Event App) and FeastSaver were given a chance to be part of the top ten and compete in the final competition.

The Regional Champion of MIMAROPA Region, Team Magdaragat

Regional Champion of Bicol Region, NIKIT Hub

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On the other hand, the Regional Champions - The Internet Tonight (TITO) of NCR, Boatman of MIMAROPA Region, and NIKIT Hub of Bicol Region, automatically advanced to the PSC 2021 National Level Finals. This competition was made possible in partnership with Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Ignite, QBO, StartUp Village, Spring Valley, Huawei, and Microsoft. Out of the DICT LC3 representatives in the finals, FeastSaver finished as 5th placer. Aside from the prizes provided by DICT's community partners, winners were also eligible for a Php 500,000 Startup Grant Fund from DICT. DICT LC3 through IIDB continues to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in ICT among Filipinos, ensuring the continuous creation of investible ideas and startup founders to expand the Philippine Startup ecosystem.

-Team NIKIT

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After emerging as Regional Champion for joining Startup Competition of DICT for the first time, the Team NIKIT rose from being a prime mover of school initiatives and innovations among learners to a catalyst of change that is acknowledged by DepEd, DICT, DTI, LGU, among others. We are also given greater opportunities to inspire, and train other DepEd ICT leaders for utilization in their respective schools. The blessings that we received are now being shared through technical assistance among local governments like the installation of their signal boosters, and other ICT improvements for the greater good of the community and the learners we served.

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BAYANIHAN TO A GOAL OF HERD IMMUNITY Enclosed per Presidential Proclamation No. 1253 that November 29 to December 1, 2021 were declared as Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination Days which is aligned with the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 endeavored to address the adverse impact of COVID-19 through the administration of safe and effective vaccines. With the aim of vaccinating at least 70% of the country’s total population, the declaration has targeted millions of Filipinos to be vaccinated from the age of 12 years old and above. Towards the commitment to provide its part on the government’s intensified vaccination program, the DICT Luzon Cluster 3, with its jurisdiction over the MIMAROPA and BICOL Regions has worked with the outstanding support and assistance coming from partner agencies, local government units, institutions, organizations and project partners such as DOLE-GIPs, DOH, DILG, DOST, PNP, AFP, djPH scholars, Tech4Ed Center Managers, volunteer individuals and focals, resulting to both Regions having remarkable accomplishments with MIMAROPA exceeding more than the targeted jabs whereas BICOL has notably improved with data submission.

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As part of the engaged assistance from the regional cluster office, DICT LC3 has established a Regional Command Center and has provided hotlines to be contacted by the concerned LGUs from MIMAROPA and BICOL that was spearheaded by its Regional Director, Dir. Cheryl C. Ortega accompanied by the LC3 Data Resiliency for Ease and Access Management (DREAM) Team. During the Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination Days, the Regional Command Center has continuous access to the National Command Center and is responsible for the escalation of issues and concerns encountered onsite. The command center was able to track down the progress and detect non-submission of LGUs relative to the daily jab accomplishment using the Vaccine Operations Reporting System (VORS) introduced by the Department which validates and reconciles jab performance and overall inventory of vaccines. Relatively, both regions have reached 100% submission rate brought about by the support from the DICT provincial team which were assigned to assist respective bakuna sites.

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The DICT Provincial Offices provided technical assistance and lent equipment such as LTE, Router and LHG kits for the provision of internet connectivity in places of Virac Catanduanes, Goa Camarines Sur and Masbate. Moreover, DICT Tech4Ed equipment including laptops and tablets were also provided as support in the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Palawan and Marinduque. It has been undeniable that the different systems provided by the DICT in ensuring that ICT solutions are part of the COVID-19 ecosystems such as DVAS 3.0, Vaccine Administration System Linelist (VAS LL) and VORS greatly helped in the data validation and gathering during the National Vaccination Days (NVD). In addition to this, a new application was introduced called the DICT Vaccine Administration System - Mobile (DVAS-M) which offers offline and mobile or tablet encoding of line list in consideration of compliance from bakuna sites with low internet connection. This has paved the way for mobile phones or tablets with specifications of Android 9 and above to install the application and make use of the system during vaccination days. Amid the unabating and looming threat of the COVID-19 especially with the recent Omicron variant, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) has declared the second round of Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination Days on the 15th until the 17th and 20th until 22nd of December which was rescheduled for some affected LGUs due to the hit of Typhoon Odette. VIMS

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Despite this tropical disturbance, Bayanihan was once again proven as partner agencies, organizations and focals took part and continued in offering a helping hand to assist the administering of remaining vaccines to more Filipinos and to likewise have the data of vaccinees encoded on the span of vaccination days.

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Coming from one of the volunteer encoders at Ligao, Albay bakuna vaccination site, Mr. Carlo Bernardo stated, “Ang gamit namin na system dito sa vaccination ay DVAS-M. Dahil dito mas mabilis naming nai-reregister ang mga records ng vaccinees. Na-preprevent din namin ang mga error sa pag-encode ng information dahil auto-detect na ito at hindi ma-isasave ang record kung kulang or mali ang na-encode na data. Isa sa magandang feature din ng DVAS-M is nagagamit sya as offline version. Indeed, the DICT has contributed in enabling a safer Filipino nation through its offered ICT systems that has helped even the Vaccination Site Managers with their record keeping. As such, Ms. Jen-Jen Lancion Espino, Nurse II and Vaccination Site Manager of a bakuna vaccination site in Looc Romblon has mentioned, “Bilang Vaccination Site Manager ang masasabi ko lamang po ay noong una ako’y nagpupuyat para magconsolidate ng report para sa aming daily accomplishments. Ngayon po dahil sa DVAS, malaking tulong ito kasi hindi na kami magtatally, hindi na kami maglilista, magsusulat kung tama ba ang aming nabakunahan. Dito sa DVAS makikita na agad.”

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Notwithstanding the challenges of the Typhoon onslaught on top of the physical restrictions, the conducted NVDs were a success that was put into action through teamwork, forged unity and cooperation between relevant individuals. Certainly, all things are possible and somehow, it still felt great to have that pinning hope of achieving the herd immunity in our nation to live in our hearts and be acted upon with the cultivated Bayanihan spirit amongst the Filipino people.

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With the Philippine government's response and continued efforts to ensure that more citizens have been vaccinated against the COVID-19, VaxCertPH was launched to serve as the official digital vaccination certificate for Filipinos and foreigners vaccinated in the Philippines that may be used for international and domestic travel. This was made in compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Digital Documentation of COVID-19 Certificates (DDCC) guidelines.

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VaxCertPH is a self-service portal that utilizes the vaccination data submitted by LGUs through the DICT’s Vaccine Operations Reporting System (VORS). It offers a request and creation feature to generate an individual's “COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate” which was authenticated through an incorporated QR Code. After getting vaccinated, an individual may opt to generate the VaxCertPH Digital Vaccination Certificate (DVC) by simply using a smartphone or computer in accessing the website at https://vaxcert.doh.gov. ph/ or by going to their respective LGUs for assistance in the generation and issuance process.

DICT TECH4ED CENTERS AID VAXCERTPH GENERATION

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It was with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11525, otherwise known as the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, that the Department of Health (DOH) is tasked to issue COVID-19 vaccine cards to all persons who have gotten inoculated. Relative to this, the DICT, in coordination with the DOH and DILG, was tasked to form a digital process that would certify that a person has been vaccinated in the country.

On top of this, being the primary agency that promotes the national ICT development agenda, the DICT has likewise been offering more services for the public through the implementation of its various projects and one of which is the Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development, referred to as the Tech4ED Project. Tech4ED is into providing ICT-enabled services to communities that have minimal or no access to ICT and government services though the established Tech4ED Centers.

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In support to this initiative, it was in August 2021 that the DILG issued the Memorandum Circular No. 2021-095 enjoining Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to actively participate and support the training programs conducted by the DICT about VaxCertPH.

It was especially during these trying times that the existing Tech4ED Centers from the provinces of Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Sorsogon, and Camarines Norte were used to provide the community with VaxCertPH booths which enabled citizens with no means or resources to generate their Digital Vaccination Certificates to do it -free of charge. Bayanihan works well in the country despite the nationwide challenges of a pandemic, to mention the assistance and supervision provided by Mr. Mark Louie Macatangay, last 27th day of September 2021 wherein Naujan Tech4ED Center in Oriental Mindoro was able to lent their equipment in order to help with the generation of DVCs for their fellow constituents specifically the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who will be needing the certificate for their international travel. In another instance, last November 26, the LGU of Mogpog, Marinduque started to issue generated DVCs and made use of the Mogpog Tech4ED Center to aid the needs of their fellow residents through the leadership of Tech4ED Center Manager, Mr. Benro L. Pacis and their Local Chief Executive, Hon. Augusto Leo M. Livelo. This initiative has made it convenient for our unprivileged kababayans to experience social inclusion especially for the folks who are not technically-inclined. Brought by the government and its partner institutions’ increased interventions for the mitigation of the COVID-19, more Tech4ED Centers in MIMAROPA and BICOL Regions are opening up in the coming days to likely be the venues of support and assistance for the generation of Digital Vaccination Certificates through VaxCertPH booths as well as to give way on the VAS Line List data encoding of LGUs with unstable network connection. Indeed, the pandemic is not yet ceasing, but with every Filipino’s commitment and dedication to work as one in this battle, anticipation is high that one day, our nation will be COVID-free. VIMS

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ICT SOLUTIONS AMID NATION’S BATTLE AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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The Department of Information and Communications Technology through the creation of the Data Resiliency for Ease of Access and Management (DREAM) Team following IATF Resolution No. 85, s. 2020 was mandated to deploy, train and provide support in ensuring the use of applicable solutions that are part of the ICT ecosystems to help control the spread of Covid-19 in the country. In consideration of its jurisdiction over the Regions of MIMAROPA and BICOL, the DICT Luzon Cluster 3 has led the way for the development, monitoring and evaluation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Systems as spearheaded by its regional director, Director Cheryl Ortega along with the DREAM Team inclusive of partner agencies and institutions involving the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine National Police Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management (PNP DICTM) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Information Systems Management Division (AFP ISMD).

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One of the systems developed by the DICT for the mitigation of COVID-19 outbreaks is the DICT Vaccine Administration System, commonly known as D-VAS, which helps speed-up data encoding and management of vaccination-related data from each designated bakuna site. This is in relation to the IATF Resolution No. 117 that states “3. To be included in the Vaccine Information Management System and ease of generating vaccine cards, local government units are mandated to adopt and utilize the Department of Information and Communications Technology Vaccine Administration System (D-VAS) to be done in phases as may be determined by the DICT. The adoption and use of D-VAS is without prejudice to the use of the LGU’s own local database system as a supplementary system.” It was through DVAS 3.0 that local government units were able to reduce the vaccination inoculation processing time by half, taking only around 5~10 minutes per vaccinee as compared to the tedious manual process which runs around 20 minutes per vaccinee. In addition, it offers streamlined report generation which removes the need for lengthy End of Day (EOD) reports resulting in completion of reports at an average time of 30 minutes. Lastly, with the use of the system, reduced risk of errors is encountered due to the real-time and integrated process of data flow. Administering the system’s implementation, the DICT LC3 was engaged on the success of establishing a total of 227 lanes from MIMAROPA and BICOL Regions combined, with 93 lanes in MIMAROPA and 134 lanes in Bicol respectively. This astounding accomplishment has highlighted the cluster’s achievement of being able to over exceed its target of establishing 18 lanes on each region which was made possible by the system’s ability to speed up data management and to lessen the burden of labor-intensive works. The island of Kalayaan, Palawan which is remarkable for its isolation and difficulty to be reached, has also showcased interest and adopted the system to ensure more effective administration of vaccines for their constituents, thus leaving Mr. Franc Earl Fabellar of the Disease Surveillance Office/ Public Health Associate DOH filled with gratitude, “On behalf po ng Kalayaan LGU, nagpapasalamat po kami sa DICT sa napakagandang system po na ginawa nyo, ang DVAS 3.0. Sa katunayan nga po, kahit na supposedly kinakailangan po na tao dito ay 5 or 6, pero sa tulong po ni DVAS, kahit po iilan lang kami, 2 or 3 lang po kami, kaya po namin at napakabilis po nito.” Proving how DVAS is able to facilitate accurate, complete and timely reporting of vaccination-related data, Dr. Rafael Salles, Head of Public Health Unit (PHU) - Pili in Brgy. Pawili, Camarines Sur added, “We’re using DVAS kasi it is more advantageous, mas mabilis, nakarecord na kaagad. So pag may nakakalipas [na vaccinee] at pumunta sa ibang section, nakikita mo na hindi pala dumaan doon [sa tamang proseso] papabalikin mo. So hindi sya magkakaroon ng gap na hindi sya ma-rerecord. It is a good tool, kahit reporting. Accurate kasi yung ini-input mo ay yung nagagawa mo.” Truly, it was with DVAS 3.0 and other relevant ICT support interventions that the cluster was able to live by its Department mission of being the “DICT of the people and for the people”, and the ability to support the administration in fully achieving its goals towards its vision of attaining “An innovative, safe and happy nation that thrives through and is enabled by Information and Communications Technology.”

VIMS

Cyber Security

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE: SECURING DIGITAL TRANSACTIONS, SECURING THE FUTURE Are you using email communication? Do you have online transactions with the public or other agencies? If you’re answer to either one or both questions is a yes, the chances are you’re digital files are vulnerable to being accessed and tampered by unauthorized individuals. You need a Public Key Infrastructure.

CHIP Framework

With the aim of providing a free option for individuals and organizations to authenticate their data and secure their information from tampering, the DICT has offered and continues to promote the Philippine Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI). The PNPKI also provides an avenue to securely send and receive digital files through the otherwise unsecure internet.

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In 2021 alone, DICT LC3 and the Digital Certificate Division have processed a grand total of 40,787 PNPKI Applications, a considerable bulk of the number issued to Department of Education personnel who are looking to implement it as an anti-tampering and security measures for digital transactions. In the course of ensuring that individuals and agencies are aware and can avail of this free security system, PNPKI has deployed 205 orientations and engagements for last year alone. With the end goal of leveraging encryption technology to secure our online communication and digital files, DICT LC3 continues its PNPKI campaign towards a more secure future. Cyber Security

PNPKI

DICT Luzon Cluster 3 offered the free webinar on Anti-Online Child Exploitation

CYBERSECURITY:

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ONWARDS TOWARDS A CYBERSAFE PHILIPPINES

With an estimate loss of more than 1 billion pesos on banking frauds alone for 2021, the Bankers Association of the Philippines have warned against emerging rise in cyberattacks. Filipinos have shifted to digital platforms to navigate restrictions imposed by the continuing global pandemic as the country continues to tide the New Normal. Attracted by the increase of activities and users online, cybercriminals are creating more and more sophisticated methods to swindle the public. With these realities in consideration, the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Luzon Cluster 3 have boosted and diversified its Cybersecurity Awareness and Development Campaign.

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Driven by the mission of protecting individuals and organizations from cyberthreats, raising awareness, and helping educate and empower the Filipino on Information and Cyber Hygiene, DICT LC3 has trained a total of 7,550 individuals, in 2021 alone, through the conduct of 11 Cybersecurity Awareness and Information Campaigns, trainings, and webinars. The cybersecurity program includes trainings on Social Media Risk Navigation, Protecting One’s Digital Identity, Cybersecurity and Database Management, Cybercrime Prevention and Law in the Philippines, Cloud Security Best Practices, Password Recovery, Cybersecurity for Small Businesses, and Building Cybersecurity Frameworks for Organizations. The program also features specialized PRC-accredited trainings with CPD points for Teachers with focus on Computer Forensics and Cybersecurity for Educators. DICT LC3 has also partnered with the National Privacy Commission to bring Data Privacy Awareness to 1,859 individuals through the conduct of 4 timely Data Privacy Trainings and Data Protection Officers Accountability, Compliance, and Ethics Level 1 Certification Program. With the deployment of the Anti-Online Child Exploitation and Digital Parenting trainings, the DICT LC3 has addressed the growing number of child exploitation online and the increasing urgency to protect young users from online abuse. This program also educates parents into becoming responsible digital parents and role models. In the course of its Cybersecurity Awareness and Information Campaigns, LC3 has forged 18 partnerships with government agencies and private organizations sharing the same vision of a CyberSafe Philippines.

PNPKI

(Bird’s Eye View on Responses to Typhoon Odette’s Wrath)

Last December, the country was visited by one of 2021’s strongest typhoons which has left major cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao out from normalcy. The affected areas still strive to get hold of clean water, continuous flow of electrical supply, and resumption of normal communications. Alongside the restoration efforts of the local government units, different agencies and offices still continue providing a helping hand to come back as one.

CHIP Framework

Palawan, being considered as one of the safest provinces in the Philippines, is one of the hardest hit areas within the island of Luzon. Commercial powers were shut down, telecommunication lines were disrupted. There were also a few reported casualties from different parts of Palawan. Major roads became impassable due to landslides while bridges are destroyed, some of which are carried away by flashfloods. The Department of Information and Communications Technology, the lead agency for Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, spearheaded the responses to recover from loss of communication within the province. In the call for public service, DICT staff braved through the situation to connect Palaweños with their loved ones within or outside of the areas.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

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BREAKING BOUNDARIES THROUGH EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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ON PHOTO: Activation of Konektawa Center at Palawan Provincial

Local Government Units and National Government Agencies were provided with free use of DICT Palawan’s satellite phone

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Activation of Free wifi site in Paly Island, Taytay

DICT Palawan's free use of satellite phone

Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.

-Max Mayfield

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to communicate reports and coordinate with their respective reporting offices. Free charging stations using the generator sets available and the solar panel power supply were also set-up to allow residents to power up their devices. Another hindrance during the aftermath is 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: DICT Palawan (in partnership with BCNET); PDRRMO Palawan; Roxas, Palawan; Paly Island, Taytay, Palawan; and San Vicente, Palawan. These sites became the KonekTawag Centers within the province that provides free internet usage by powering up calls and messaging applications, free charging of devices and use of satellite phone credits (DICT Palawan KonekTawag Center). To date, these services are continually being provided and availed by Palaweños as the situation is slowly progressing. Assessments and validation of damages and losses are on the planning process and conduct of Post Disaster Needs Assessment is soon to be done.

GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM Activation of KonekTawag Center at San Vicente, Palawan

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