PICTO facilitates briefing on DICT national programs and ICT Council creation for Cavite LGUs

The Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office (PICTO), facilitated a Briefing on the DICT National Programs and Creation of ICT Council for Local Government Units (LGUs) on June 1, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City.

The activity gathered ICT and planning officers and representatives from the different cities and municipalities of Cavite to strengthen collaboration and promote digital transformation initiatives across local government units.

Ms. Annie Q. Tacazon, PICTO officer in charge, formally welcomed the participants and acknowledged the presence of the attendees, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach in advancing information and communications technology initiatives in the province.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of Provincial Ordinance No. 511-2026, entitled “An Ordinance Mandating All Cities and Municipalities in the Province of Cavite to Create Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Councils.” The ordinance was presented by 7th District Board Member Camille Lauren V. Del Rosario, principal author of the measure. During her presentation, she underscored the vital role of ICT Councils in fostering digital governance, innovation, and sustainable development among local government units. Likewise, she discussed the functions of the local ICT council.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jerica Dalisay, Project Development Officer II of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IV-A, discussed the establishment of ICT Councils and provided guidance on their structure, functions, and significance in advancing local digital transformation efforts.

The discussion on Building Cavite’s ICT Transformation Roadmap was led by Mr. Bonifacio Belen, Founder-Convenor of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), who shared strategies in charting a shared direction for the province’s digital future aimed at strengthening the province’s digital infrastructure, enhancing public service delivery, and fostering innovation-driven governance.

Representatives from the DICT led by Ms. Dalisay and Engr. Kenneth Benedicto, DICT-Cavite Provincial Officer, also presented various national programs available for LGUs, highlighting initiatives that support digitalization, connectivity, cybersecurity, and capacity-building efforts for local governments.

The briefing concluded with an inspiring message from Ms. Teresita Leabres, President of the Cavite ICT Council, who encouraged the participants to actively support the establishment of ICT Councils in their respective localities and work collectively toward achieving a digitally empowered Cavite.

The activity served as a significant step toward strengthening partnerships among stakeholders and advancing the province’s vision of a more connected, innovative, and technology-driven future.— OPIO