The goal of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is to build a digitally advanced and resilient Philippines. DigiPlus Interactive Corp.’s social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, is working toward this end.
Last June 3, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the company supported the DICT Expo: Bayang Digital, Bagong Pilipinas, further demonstrating its dedication to responsible digitalization.
Held annually in June in compliance with Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008, the Expo was one of the events commemorating the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month.
“As we continue to grow our market, we also recognize the need to provide a safer online environment for Filipinos everywhere. As a leading digital entertainment company, DigiPlus, through our Foundation, will continue to support programs, and improve our own initiatives to continuously pursue responsible digitalization in the country,” said Andy Tsui, Digiplus President and Bingoplus Foundation Chairman.
The theme for this year’s National ICT Month, “Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas,” appropriately highlighted the significance of using ICT and other methods to improve cyber safety, offer infinite opportunities to Filipinos, and provide efficient government services. Prominent figures from academia, national government organizations, and the IT, telecom, and IT industries will be attending the expo.
In an announcement made earlier this year, DigiPlus Interactive revealed that the BingoPlus Foundation will be spending over Php100 million on advocacy efforts aimed at making the Philippines more digitally advanced and resilient. Technology education and responsible digitization are two of its tenets, promoted in tandem with both the public and commercial sectors.
The PLUS Factor and FutureSmart Scholarships are two such initiatives that aim to connect promising young tech professionals with opportunities for leadership training and high-quality academics. In addition to launching Coding for Kids during National ICT Month, the Foundation aims to make STEM education more engaging for kids and encourage them to seek careers in technology.
A Responsible Gaming campaign teaches the right habits when playing games online and encourages Filipinos to multiply the fun by keeping it safe in the digital world. The Digi Buddy volunteer program helps equip target sectors with the right tools and behaviors as netizens. These efforts are part of a larger effort to promote Responsible Digitalization.
Participating in the culminating event of National ICT month, a TechTalk Series with youth leaders entitled “Tech-Ready Youth: Empowering Responsible Skills,” Digiplus Interactive and BingoPlus Foundation will join the DICT in their celebration.