Government and the private sector have joined forces to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, and support the administration of President Marcos Jr. to make the Philippines a hub for digital and cloud computing in the region.
At the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Sponsors Launchpad held recently, leaders of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Information, Communications and Technology (DICT), together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), tech players and digital innovators, gathered to declare support and commitment to collectively work towards creating a technology-driven, competitive and resilient economy.
PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelon underscored the importance of joint collaboration between the government and private sector in accelerating digital transformation initiatives to enhance connectivity and empower Filipinos to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
“Digital transformation is a shared effort. We recognize that government cannot do it alone. We, in the business sector, are fully committed to work with our government in transforming our country into a more competitive, resilient and tech-driven economy,” Barcelon said, adding that while government have made significant strides in its digitalization initiatives, there are still more reforms and policies to do to sustain progress.
51st PBC&E Chairman and PCCI Director for ICT Dennis Anthony H. Uy stressed that government and private sector must work to address all imperatives to make the country digitally ready and able to compete in the international arena.
“The reason I accepted being the PBC&E Chairman is to promote and advocate for digital transformation in the country. This conference will serve as partnership between government and the industry to upgrade the technology and accelerate connectivity in the country. We will make sure that no one is left behind” Uy said, adding that he is now actively working with government for the AI National Framework.
PH as a leader in digital connectivity in SE
Following the pronouncement of President Marcos in his State of the Nation Address to make internet connectivity a national priority, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said he immediately contacted World Bank to discuss the Phase 2 of the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project with target completion by 2028. This project covers 1,800 kilometers of new fiber optic cable expanding it to Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao
Moreover, Aguda is optimistic that with the on-going connectivity initiatives, the Philippines can position itself on top in digital connectivity and cloud computing in the region. “The mandate from the President is to make digital enabled jobs and attract as much investments for the country.” he added.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, meanwhile, echoed the call for strong public-private partnership to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. “We have to remember that this cannot be done by government alone, we need all the support to make this a reality” she said. Roque also urged businesses to maximize the use of the digital space or the e-commerce platform to sell products and expand their business.
On October 20-21, the PCCI will hold the PBC&E with the theme The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” which will gather technology innovators, policymakers and industry leaders to share insights and engage in digitally-driven solutions for business. The conference is chaired by visionary entrepreneur, ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-founder Dennis Anthony H. Uy.
The 51st PBC&E will be in SMX Convention and Exhibition Center. Expected to be featured are international pavilions, showcase of technology by major companies, a slew of solutions for companies big or small, and updates of efforts of government agencies such as DTI, DOST and DICT.
“At this year’s PBC&E, government is our partner. I enjoin the digital infrastructure companies, the enterprise solutions providers and all tech companies to work with government to make digital transformation a reality today,” Uy said.
“Let’s unleash the power of digital transformation. The future is now,” Uy declared.
