Plans to establish the city as the Digital Creative Hub of the North were among topics discussed during the Baguio City Information and Communications Technology Council (BCICTC) meeting.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong, BCICTC chair, presided over the meeting aimed at further enhancing collaborations to achieve a more liveable and Smart-sustainable city.
City Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant V Samantha Jean Hamada said the BCICTC plays a vital role in shaping the Information Communications Technology (ICT) landscape of the city that is marching towards a full Smart city status where technology is used in delivering more efficient and effective service to the public.
The BCICTC’s areas of emphasis include advancement of digital literacy and education; infrastructure enrichment; cultivate cross-sector collaboration; and good governance, she added.
Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cordillera Director Pinky Jimenez presented her agency’s current and proposed programs, projects, and services including the planned rehabilitation of the DICT-Post Office building.
Also presented were the proposed technical working group and its functions and duties by Melecio Balangen, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology while Raul Boncan, Jr. of ZigZag Studios, a digital animation company, discussed Republic Act 11904, which makes it a policy of the State to promote and support the development of Philippine creative industries.
Magalong requested Boncan to submit a project proposal that will help transform Baguio into North Luzon’s digital creative hub as the latter cited the city’s abundance in talent being an educational center and conducive environment for the planned endeavor.
The BCICTC’s proposed mission, vision, objectives, and priority areas were also discussed that are targeted to be finalized and approved in its next meeting later this year. – Gaby B. Keith
