[Updated] For the first time, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Palawan has opened its SPARK digital jobs training to persons with disabilities, with 21 participants being prepared for work as general virtual assistants.
Of the total number, 15 are PWDs.
DICT Provincial Director Engr. Virgo Pinangay said the training is designed not only to improve digital skills but also to help participants connect with possible clients in the freelancing industry.
“Walang iwanan sa digital bayanihan, ang inclusivity ay nandoon talaga,” Pinangay said.
The participants underwent 10 days of onsite training under the Strengthening the Philippine Workforce through Adaptive and Responsive Digital Knowledge, or SPARK, program.
They will also complete another 10 days of online campaign activities focused on finding clients and applying what they learned in actual freelancing work.
Pinangay said a resource speaker, who is also a PWD and already has connections in the freelancing industry, will assist the participants.
“Ang kinukuha natin na trainers dito ay meron ng network sa freelancing industry. Pwede sila matulungan,” he said.
The batch marks the first time DICT Palawan specifically invited PWDs to take part in the SPARK program.
The agency also said participants may use the facilities of the Digital Transformation Center while they are starting their online jobs, giving them access to a workspace and digital resources as they begin looking for clients.
SPARK was formerly known as digitaljobsPH before the program was renamed in 2024.
The initiative supports Republic Act No. 11927, or the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, which seeks to address gaps in digital skills and prepare Filipino workers for jobs in the digital economy.
