Mindanao: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is expanding its digital skills training programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in some parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In a news release on Thursday, the DICT said the initiative, led by its ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) and Soccsksargen office, provides training in e-commerce, social media marketing, digital payments, graphic design, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and office productivity.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program is implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local government units (LGUs), and local MSME Development Councils to help traditional businesses in Soccsksargen and the LaMa Provinces - South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City, and the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao - modernize their operations and reach wider markets. The initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to advance digitalization and create an environment where Filipinos can access opportunities, improve productivity, and build more competitive enterprises.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated that the goal is to help entrepreneurs turn digital skills into practical results for their businesses. "The real value of digital training is seen when entrepreneurs are able to apply what they have learned to their businesses. We want them to leave the training with practical skills they can use to market their products, reach more customers, improve their operations, and create new opportunities for growth," he said.
The programs are designed to assist businesses that still rely on walk-in buyers, word-of-mouth referrals, and manual processes to adapt to the digital economy. These include the DigitalJobsPH and Rural Impact Sourcing Program, now known as SPARK, which offer modules on social media marketing, digital marketing with e-commerce, general virtual assistance, and other digital skills.
The DICT gathered testimonials from program participants across the region to document the impact of the training. Michelle Ca±ada of Crackerjacks VA in General Santos City secured three major projects and formed three strategic business partnerships within 30 days after completing three specialized courses under DigitalJobsPH in June 2021. Anas Sirag of Bailyn's Food Products in South Cotabato expanded his market to stores across the province and reached customers abroad after taking the Social Media Marketing for MSMEs module in 2019. Pauline Abegail Subaldo of True Sight Optical, also in South Cotabato, saw daily sales increase from PHP15,000 to between PHP25,000 and PHP40,000 after completing the SPARK Social Media Marketing 2.0 training in July.
In Sultan Kudarat, Ranee Lee Boone Ampuyas Lara of Ryle's Enterprise expanded his business from five core products and services to more than 12 and eventually reached international markets after participating in DigitalJobsPH and SPARK programs. Hermilo Faren of M'lang PWD Canteen in North Cotabato improved his online presence, increased sales, and grew his workforce to eight to nine employees after completing digital marketing training in 2019.
The DICT said it continues to work with local stakeholders to bring digital opportunities to more MSMEs, helping Filipino businesses build more sustainable livelihoods.
