Out of 16 national semifinalists and thousands of entries from 194 countries worldwide, the MIMAROPA region earned two prestigious international recognitions, securing spots among the Top 5 finalists in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes.
The annual awards, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the United Nations framework, celebrate outstanding digital innovations that advance sustainable development.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin announced the achievement during the Regional ICT Summit held at Balai Mindoro on June 20, citing the region’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive digital solutions.
The two projects—one from Oriental Mindoro and the other from Occidental Mindoro—are set to receive formal recognition at the WSIS Prizes awarding ceremony scheduled for July 7 in Geneva, Switzerland, said Delfin.
In Oriental Mindoro, the project titled “Project PAG-ASA: Beyond Bars Unlocking Opportunities through Digital Skills Training” is a collaboration between the DICT and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), which provides Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with digital skills training, empowering them with new opportunities to reintegrate into society through technology.
Meanwhile, Occidental Mindoro’s “From Weeks to Minutes: How Occidental Mindoro Revolutionized Business Permitting” showcases the region’s adoption of e-government systems across all local government units (LGUs).
According to DICT, this initiative streamlined business permitting processes, reducing wait times from weeks to mere minutes.
Marvin Bejasa, officer-in-charge of DICT Oriental Mindoro, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview that these projects reflect the agency’s commitment to using technology as a tool for social transformation and efficient governance.
“These initiatives demonstrate how digital innovation can address real-world challenges and improve lives,” Bejasa said.
Meanwhile, Delfin expressed pride in the region’s accomplishment and cited the importance of continuing to push for inclusive and sustainable digital development.
“Our inclusion among the WSIS signals that MIMAROPA is not just keeping pace but leading in harnessing technology to uplift communities. We will continue to support projects that bring meaningful change and bridge the digital divide,” she said. (PIA)
