The Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has launched a program to provide Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) with digital skills training.
Community leaders, women entrepreneurs, and youth from the Matigsalug, Manobo, and Lumad tribes are the primary beneficiaries of the training sessions.
One of the program’s recipients are the indigenous people of Barangay Baganihan in the Marilog District of Davao, a community that struggles with lack of internet connectivity and ICT infrastructure.
The program introduced the Cisco Networking Academy and HP-LIFE platforms which provides the participants with knowledge in using gadgets, understanding cybersecurity, digital business skills, enhancing digital literacy among the remote and underserved indigenous communities in the country.
Network giant PLDT-Smart also collaborated with the DICT to supply devices and data support for the indigenous participants.
The digital skills training program is financed by the Government of Norway and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as part of the “Boosting Digital Skills through Digital Transformation Centres” project.
Reports state that the DICT will continue to support the indigenous participants and help spread the knowledge and skills relevant in adapting to the digital age.