CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is bent on bringing more jobs and investments in the information technology (IT) industry to the countryside through its Digital Cities Program 2025.

Launched in 2020 in partnership with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Leechiu Property Consultants, and DICT, the program aims to transform each digital hub into a 'center of excellence' for the IT sector. The initiative will help diversify business sectors, reduce the concentration of IT jobs in Metro Manila, create employment opportunities, and boost local economies.

Currently, 31 ‘digital cities’ have been identified nationwide, 10 of which are located in the Calabarzon region, namely, the cities of Imus, Bacoor, and General Trias in Cavite; Calamba City, San Pablo City, and Los Baños in Laguna; Antipolo City, Taytay, and Cainta in Rizal; and Batangas City.

The municipality of Los Baños, was the newest addition to the program. 

The town’s administrator, Dr. Roberto Rañola Jr., welcomed digital transformation as this will bring innovation and efficiency, especially in government transactions. He emphasized the need for online payment systems and digital application processes for municipal transactions.

"Digital transformation is not just a buzzword. It represents a fundamental shift in how we live, work, and do business. It empowers us to create a brighter, more connected, and efficient future," he added.

According to John Jasper Sanchez, team leader of the digital cities program, they are continuously working with industry professionals to attract more jobs, particularly in animation, creatives, software development, and game development.

"Our end goal is to promote Los Baños and the whole of Laguna as a more attractive business destination for investors. We hope this will generate revenue for the local government unit and provide opportunities for our talented individuals," Sanchez said.

The DICT classifies a certain locality as a ‘digital city’ if they have reached four components set by the program, such as talent availability, which looks at the number of graduates and schools with centers of excellence and centers of development recognition; and infrastructure which includes the availability of hotels, road quality, real estate, telecommunication, and power infrastructure.

Other factors considered are cost, or the daily minimum wage, real estate, and power rates; and business environment or PEZA-approved centers, and crime rate.

Once identified as a digital city, the DICT starts to convene an ICT council to kick-off a series of workshops and consultations with stakeholders.

Over the next six months, the DICT will conduct institutional development workshops, identify suitable jobs and industries for Los Baños, and organize business matching events. These efforts will provide Los Baños with the opportunity to showcase itself as a viable location for tech-driven businesses, the DICT added. (CH/PIA-Laguna)