DICT pushes for digitalization in MisOcc

Philippine Information Agency Misamis Occidental (PIA-MisOcc) holds “Let's Talk MisOcc" virtual forum with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to discuss plans, programs during Information Communications Technology (ICT) Month celebration.(PIA-10)

"If all of us are geared toward digitalization, opportunities abound," said an official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Misamis Occidental.

In "Let's Talk MisOcc” virtual forum, June 30, DICT provincial officer Engr Eugene Raposala III said one big opportunity in digitalization is jobs.

There is a new meaning to OFW now, he shared is not just Overseas Filipino Workers but Online Freelance Workers of the Philippines, earning dollars at the comfort of their own home.

In the past, salary was based on the 8-hour work schedule but today's trend is the more your work, the more money you will earn.

Raposala said this year's theme for the National Information Communications Technology (ICT) month celebration is "Spark, Strengthen, Sustain Advancing the PH Digital Agenda.” The main focus really is to show opportunities in ICT for economic development and push for digital advancement especially in the countryside.

He also emphasized the need to discuss the importance of ICT and to support its programs and activities.

As to improving government services, Raposala shared that the local government of Jimenez is the first in Northern Mindanao to implement Integrated Business Processes and Licensing Systems or IBPLS.

He said, this software allows an ease of doing business where turnaround time for application or renewal of businesses is reduced significantly and can be done online.

Raposala also reported the accomplishments of DICT in the province of Misamis Occidental.

“We have a lot of projects. Now, we are focusing on helping LGUs to implement the Integrated Business Permit and Licensing System (IBPLS). We created a system nga among ihatag sa LGU para mas mapadali, mas mapasayon ang pagkuha ug business permit sa mga negosyante ug mas mapadako ang kita sa LGU."

As to DICT's contribution to COVID 19 response, Raposala shared that they have created the Vaccination Information Management System, a software to input the data online real time during vaccination.

In this way, data transmittal is faster and more efficient. Lawmakers and the national government can also monitor the usage of vaccines and identify who needs more assistance.

DICT also created the VaxCert used by the Department of Health (DOH) for individuals after vaccination, he added.

Further, various ICT training sessions are in line for the province. For the month of July, they are scheduled to conduct training on Virtual Assistance to 30 enrollees in Oroquieta City.

The goal, Raposala said, is for these trainees to land a job and get income even before their graduation. "Gusto namo tudlo-an sila (we want to teach them) how to work online at the comforts of their home," he said. (PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)