MAASIN CITY — Optimism and high ambition are pinned on significant job opportunities and investments as the Department of Information and Communication (DICT) is actively working on a proposal to bring the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector to Southern Leyte as part of the initiative to stimulate local economic growth.

During the Kapihan sa PIA last October 15, Tuesday morning, DICT Provincial Officer Marian Go-Soco, together with her team, discussed the flagship programs and services offered by their agency, as well as the ongoing projects and collaborations with their partners.

She encouraged the local government unit of Maasin to create an Information Communication Technology (ICT) council to provide direction on strategies to improve time efficiency and accesibility through automation and digital approaches.

According to Go-Soco, their office is in the process of extending continued support with the local government unit of Maasin, through councilor Mikhael “Mikee” Mercado, to carry out the project.

“Look out Bacolod, Iloilo and Campetic in Palo, parang kabuti ang mga negosyo na nagsusulpotan because of the creation of ICT Councils and that nagkaroon sila ng BPO companies. That’s what we also wanted to have here. Thankfully, Coucilor Mikee is with us,” said Go-Soco when she highlighted the progress of other provinces because of the existence of ICT Councils that will later on result in the creation of call center companies.

Free Public Wifi 

The DICT also disclosed that they have 23 established free wifi locations in the whole Southern Leyte.

“This includes public places like terminals, schools, libraries, and even in barangays,” said Information System Analyst II Cosme Socito Jr and Engr Jesryl Vergara.

Among the town beneficiaries of free public wifi were Malitbog, Liloan, San Ricardo, Pintuyan, San Juan, Bontoc, Anahawan, Hinunangan, HInundayan, Tomas Oppus, Padre Burgos, San Francisco, Sogod, Silago, among others. 

To wrap things up, the DICT, in celebration of Cyber Security Awareness Month, reminds the public to be responsible and vigilant when it comes with the use of technology.