PGNV holds Region 02’s 1st ICT Congress

PGNV holds Region 02’s 1st ICT Congress

The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV), through its Provincial Information Technology Division headed by Information Technology Officer II Sherlyn B. Fernandez and in collaboration with partner agencies and institutions in the public and private sectors, held a two-day ICT Congress on April 25-26, 2023, at the Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center, Provincial Capitol.

Gracing this unprecedented 2-day event in Region 02 were PGNV officials led by Governor Carlos M. Padilla and Vice Governor Jose V. Gambito, along with erstwhile Governor Ruth R. Padilla and members of the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Council (PICTC), as well as national, regional, and provincial officers of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), among others. Also participating were ICT professionals, professors, and students.

This is one of the offshoots of Ordinance No. 2017-139, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Creating the Provincial Information and Communications Technology Advisory Board (PICTAB) of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, Defining its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes”, passed on September 18, 2017 by the 9th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya (SPNV) headed by then-Vice Governor and Presiding Officer Epifanio LD. Galima, and approved by Governor Carlos M. Padilla eleven days thereafter.

The landmark legislative measure, which is also in support of the provincial government’s PRAYERS ‘N FAITH platform of public administration and governance, aims to bring about accelerated and inclusive development of the province and its component local government units using ICT not just as an ordinary office productivity tool but more of a potent transformational socio-economic development strategy.

This year’s ICT Congress revolved around the newly crafted ICT Roadmap 2023-2028 of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya presented by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Edgardo D. Sabado, which is one of the expected outputs mandated by the said Ordinance.

Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, DICT’s Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, inspired the participants with her presentation of the best practices, success stories, and some updates on the Information Technology and Business Process Management (ITBPM) Industry and the nation’s ICT Development Program at large, which she and other public and private sector leaders have been championing for decades.

The up-and-running information systems, programs, and similar remarkable ICT initiatives presented by the following resource persons provided more depth and breadth to the ensuing knowledge-sharing sessions: DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, by Ms. Rachel B. Santos, DOST Science Research Specialist; Integrated Information Systems Toward Smart and Sustainable Communities, by Dr. Betchie E. Aguinaldo, Director of the Isabela State University Business Intelligence Research and Development Center; DTI’s ICT initiatives in Nueva Vizcaya, by Ms. Marietta B. Salviejo, Provincial Director of the DTI-NV Office; and Usapang Smart Province, by Mr. Vincent R. Rodriguez, PLDT Enterprise Business Head of Local Government Unit (LGU) Relations.

The Congress likewise served as an opportune medium for Acting Provincial Head Johanna F. Tulauan of the DICT-NV Office to present the mechanics of R.A. No. 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, which was signed into law on October 10, 2022. Incidentally, the April 26, 2023 deadline for SIM registration set by the law was extended to July 25, 2023. The 90-day grace period was intended to give more time for the DICT, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and telecommunication companies alike to further intensify their list-up drives and for the government itself to address issues and concerns behind the reported low registry turnout which will lead to the disenfranchisement of even the legitimate SIM owners as a consequence.

ICT Companies that sponsored the activity were also given the chance to establish booths at the venue and present their products and services during the plenary sessions. The awarding of their certificates of appreciation was led by Provincial Administrator Maybelle Dumlao-Sevillena.

PHOTOS and VIDEOS here:

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