On February 19, 2026, a meaningful step toward a more digitally empowered municipality was taken as the Department of Information and Communications Technology Region VIII held an initial consultative meeting with the Local Government Unit of Dulag, led by Mayor Jade Artates Agullo.
ICT For The People IT Solutions (IFTP) is grateful to be part of this collaboration, which centers on aligning national ICT programs with Dulag’s local vision of becoming a cyber-resilient and digitally inclusive municipality. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensure that every Dulagnon can safely participate in the digital world.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Digital Skills for Every Dulagnon
At the heart of the discussion was a people-first approach to digital transformation. The collaboration prioritizes cybersecurity awareness and ICT literacy across different sectors of the community:
- Senior Citizens are supported through basic cyber hygiene training to help them avoid online scams and confidently use digital services.
- Students and Youth are introduced to advanced ICT skills and cybersecurity awareness to prepare them for future digital careers.
- Teachers are empowered with knowledge to protect student data and effectively integrate technology into learning environments.
- The Wider Community gains access to foundational digital skills needed for everyday online tasks and services.
These efforts aim to make digital participation safer, more inclusive, and more practical for residents of all ages.
Professional ICT Training at the Dulag Digital Transformation Center
The ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau plans structured training programs for the Dulag Digital Transformation Center. As part of this initiative, the key focus areas include:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals, with learning paths toward junior-level cybersecurity roles via the Cisco Networking Academy
- Productivity and workplace readiness using the Microsoft productivity suite
- Foundational software engineering concepts
These programs aim to equip participants with practical, job-relevant skills while reinforcing safe and responsible technology use.
IFTP’s Role as a Community Digital Facilitator
As part of this initiative, ICT For The People IT Solutions, founded by former DICT scholars Janrie Lacsamana and Eric Ladrera, has volunteered to serve as Community Digital Facilitators. The IFTP team works closely with interns from Eastern Visayas State University, ensuring hands-on guidance during community trainings.
We would like to formally acknowledge the EVSU BSIT interns who actively contributed their time, skills, and dedication to this initiative:
- Rhazzhamir I. Aguilar
- Princess Maribeth Arandia
- Bevirlie Jane R. Ladrera
Their involvement strengthens community support during trainings and reflects the vital role of students in advancing grassroots digital transformation.
Expanding Access Through Tech-Enabled Community Spaces
Beyond training programs, IFTP also recognizes and appreciates the continued efforts of the LGU Dulag and Mayor Jade A. Agullo in strengthening digital access points across the municipality. In particular, the Dulag Municipal Library serves as a tech-forward community hub, where residents bring their own devices, access reliable internet connectivity, and conveniently complete essential online tasks for education, research, and public services. Through this initiative, digital access becomes more inclusive and readily available to the community.
Consequently, combined with the DICT Free Wi-Fi Program, these spaces play a vital role in bridging the digital gap and promoting equal access to technology.
Strengthening Academe–Government Collaboration for Digital Dulag
Building on the momentum of Day 1, the collaboration continued with a strategic alignment meeting involving the DICT Leyte Provincial Office and the Eastern Visayas State University – Dulag Campus. Led by Campus Administrator Dr. Gerald Jayson B. Balanga, together with campus faculty members, academic staff, and administrative personnel.
The team focused on expanding digital programs within the EVSU Dulag community and ensuring the smooth integration of ICT literacy and cybersecurity initiatives into campus and community activities. Specifically, they emphasized hands-on support for students, faculty upskilling opportunities, and extending program benefits to nearby residents.
Through this strengthened academe–government partnership, surely IFTP remains committed to helping bridge the digital divide by bringing practical technology skills and cybersecurity awareness to learners and communities across Dulag.
Moving Forward Together
From February 19–20, IFTP, DICT representatives, LGU Dulag, and academic partners worked closely to shape community-driven digital programs.
These collaborative efforts reflect a shared belief that digital transformation is most effective when it is inclusive, practical, and rooted in local needs.
In closing, IFTP extends its sincere thanks to DICT Region VIII, the LGU Dulag, Mayor Jade Artates Agullo, and all partner institutions for the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative.
We remain committed to our shared mission of empowering communities through technology, collaboration, and service.
Stay tuned for official announcements on training schedules and registration details.