The country’s first Digital Transformation Center (DTC) has started operations to serve micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon, helping them address the digital gap in the country.
The International Labor Organization (ILO), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the government of Japan launched the center in Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga last April 26 to enhance digitalization and provide access to training and technology to MSMEs.
“The center will support enterprises in Central Luzon to overcome the digital divide and address the lack of digital infrastructures that make it hard for small businesses to succeed in a digitalized economy,” said Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO country office for the Philippines.
Hassan also noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that highlights the urgent need to support small businesses to reduce their vulnerabilities during times of economic disruption.
The government of Japan funded the construction of the DTC through the ILO’s Bringing Back Jobs Safely project.
After the DTC construction in Pampanga, the ILO, DICT and Japan also worked closely to build a similar facility in Cotabato City and provide computers and satellite-based internet connectivity in areas where MSMEs face connectivity challenges.
The DTC would meet the training needs of the general public, particularly MSMEs seeking to improve their operations using digitalization as a way of achieving business sustainability.
The center’s establishment reflects the commitment to expanding technological capabilities and supporting the vital role of MSMEs in the region.
“We learned to adapt, and as we recover let us continue our way up and further the knowledge that we have gained and utilize it to our great advantage,” First Secretary Chihiro Kanno from the Embassy of Japan said in a statement released by the embassy.
“The DTC comes at a critical time given the government’s thrust to continuously narrow down the digital divide in the Philippines. We at the DICT are eager to broaden the training coverage as part of our ICT literacy and competency development programs to harness competitiveness of the current and future workforce and the marginalized/special needs sector towards an ICT-enabled society,” said Jeffrey Ian Dy, DICT undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity and Upskilling.
The DTC aims to boost the competitiveness of local businesses and foster job creation by providing access to digital resources and training, contributing to sustainable development in Central Luzon.
