In the heart of Davao’s Marilog District lies Barangay Baganihan, a community rich in culture yet burdened by geographical isolation. As one of the Philippines’ Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), the barangay struggles with limited access to the Internet and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. However, a recent initiative is helping to bridge this digital gap, empowering the community with essential digital skills.
Digital Inclusion for Indigenous Communities
To address the digital divide, the country’s Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), launched a series of train-the-trainer and citizens’ training programs in Barangay Baganihan. The initiative focused on equipping the indigenous Matigsalug, Manobo, and Lumad communities with foundational digital skills.
Participants, including community leaders, women entrepreneurs, and young people, were introduced to vital online learning platforms such as Cisco Networking Academy and HP-LIFE. These sessions covered fundamental digital literacy, including the use of computers and mobile devices, cybersecurity awareness, and digital business skills.
A Collaborative Effort for Digital Empowerment
This transformative training was made possible under the DTC Initiative through the “Boosting Digital Skills through Digital Transformation Centres” project. Funded by the Government of Norway and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the project aims to scale digital literacy in underserved communities.
Further strengthening the initiative, PLDT-Smart, a subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, partnered with DICT to provide devices and data connectivity for the training beneficiaries. The collaboration ensured that participants could effectively apply their newly acquired skills beyond the training sessions.
Sustaining Digital Growth in Baganihan
Instructors from DICT spearheaded the training, ensuring that local leaders and trainees could receive continuous support and guidance as they integrate their digital knowledge into daily life. By empowering indigenous groups with technology, the initiative paves the way for improved economic opportunities and greater social inclusion.
The Digital Transformation Centres Initiative
Launched in 2019 by ITU in partnership with Cisco, the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative aims to bolster digital skills among citizens, particularly in marginalized communities. By connecting local institutions to a global network of DTCs, the initiative accelerates digital adoption, empowering individuals and small businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The project, currently in its second phase, builds upon its initial success from 2021 to 2023. With its continued expansion, the initiative is expected to train even more individuals, further strengthening digital literacy and socio-economic resilience in the Philippines and beyond.
Unlocking the Digital Future
The digital skills training in Barangay Baganihan marks a significant step toward bridging the technological divide in geographically isolated areas. By equipping indigenous communities with digital knowledge and resources, initiatives like this unlock new opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.
