by Myrna Padillo
Last week I attended a conference in Clark Field on “Convergence 2009: Empowering the Filipino through Information Technology”. As an indicator of the importance of IT to the future of the Philippines, the keynote speaker at the event was none other than President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It was a very inspiring conference and everyone in our group left the conference with renewed excitement for the future of IT in Davao and throughout Mindanao.
Accompanying me on the trip to the Convergence 2009 Conference were a number of leading dignitaries and visionaries from the IT community in Davao representing both the public and private sectors. Leading our group was the very distinguished president of ICT Davao, Lizabel G. Holganza, as well as, city councillor Teresita Mata Maranon, Eriberto Barriga, Nelly Sia Agabin, Yvonne Cabada, Mae Jan Villanueva, Edwin Maranon, Marienita del Monte and Gary Dumael .
Convergence 2009 was an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) road show that was aimed at pursuing objectives established by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology’s (CICT). The objectives fell into four strategic areas: Cyberservices, Human Capital Development, eGovernment Development, and ICT Infrastructure.
The main objectives in each area were:
1. Promote the Philippine Cyber Corridor and the Next Wave Cities;
2. Ensure the supply of talent for the BPO-IT industry;
3. Increase awareness on the use of ICT; and
4. Enable Small and Medium Enterprises to spur its growth through technology.
The Philippine Cyber-Corridor is an initiative by the Philippine Government under Executive Order No. 561, signed by President Arroyo that aims to interconnect centers of business process outsourcing services all around the country. This Cyber Corridor extends from Baguio to Davao.
I listened to the speech of the president who was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies. She congratulated the ICT industry for being selected by the National Outsourcing Association of the U.K. as the Off shoring Destination of the Year. According to the President, the Philippines ranks as among the best off shoring hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and, more importantly, because of our highly trainable English proficient IT enabled management and manpower. She noted the Off shoring Destination of the Year Award highlights the growing Importance of the Philippine IT-BPO industry in the global market.
In her speech, the President recognized BPO and tourism as the key growth sectors for the Philippines, just as she predicted during her first State of the Nation Address in 2001. I particularly liked the following quote from her. “We are guided by the philosophy that it is the market, not the government, that should determine technological outcomes.” I agree.
I actually like the fact our government is encouraging our youth to get more excited and interested in ICT. I believe the private sector can make an important contribution to the future of our country by aggressively applying technology to their businesses, thus providing the most highly skilled Filipino a good paying job without the need to leave home.
As evidence of the growth potential of ICT, the president pointed out that in 2001 there were 4,000 BPO workers. Today there are over 400,000. The growth speaks eloquently of our competitiveness and productivity as a people. But for me personally, these 400,000 people represent 400,000 families that are intact and together because they found meaningful employment at home and not overseas.
To those people who know me, they know that I once worked as a domestic helper for over 20 years. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to study Information Technology while I worked in Hong Kong. It was there I began to fully understand that the technology meant people could perform services without the need to leave home. By the way, for those of you who have never had to leave your children behind… you have no idea how powerful a concept that is. I also realize my country could stop the brain drain. We could stop exporting our best and brightest to other countries. And it was for this passion that my company, Mynd was conceived.
Empowering the Filipino through Information Technology is a great challenge. We sincerely need an all out effort from both the private and government sectors to meet this challenge. I would encourage every IT business in Davao to do their part by joining ICT Davao so that we have one voice. I would also encourage parents to invest in their children’s education. We need to educate the youth about the opportunities in ICT available to them if they only empower themselves with technology. When we have the private and public sectors working together to empower the Filipino through IT… then we will have taken a great step toward reducing the number of our Filipino citizens who feel compelled to leave their families behind to work abroad. That is real and meaningful empowerment.
As always, email your questions to info@myndconsulting.com or call us at 300-6963.
