ICT Industry Development - DICT Cordillera

28/05/2026

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

The spirit of collaboration and innovation in the local startup ecosystem was highlighted as students from the University of the Cordilleras Senior High School and PHINMA University of Pangasinan showcased their startup ideas during the “Pitch That Idea Series” led by the ICT Industry Development Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region.

The “Pitch That Idea Series” is an original regional initiative of the ICT Industry Development Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region that provides a platform for innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas, prototypes, and solutions to a panel and audience for constructive feedback. More than just a pitch session, it serves as a collaborative learning space where ideas are refined through suggestions, insights, evaluations, and meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening concepts, improving prototypes, and clarifying the purpose and impact behind each innovation.

The participating startup teams were:

🚀 Startup: LUMEN
University: PHINMA University of Pangasinan
Presenters:
• Ric Ardeil Sean Estrada
• Arrabella Gracy Ico

🚀 Startup: AlertEdge
University: PHINMA University of Pangasinan
Presenters:
• Melvin Jead Dalioan
• Daniella Bravo

🚀 Startup: TCO
University: PHINMA University of Pangasinan
Presenters:
• Maverick Killua Dulatre

🚀 Startup: TERRA ALERT
University: University of the Cordilleras Senior High School
Presenters:
• Beyonce Belwigan
• Justine Querido
• Athea Aquinde
• Alyza Ann Ariola

Supporting the collaborative learning environment of the program, mentors and guests who provided insights during the activity included Ms. Avereen Tibalao from the University of the Philippines – Social Innovation Laboratory and Business Inclusion (UP-SILBI); Mr. Wilson Capuyan II of WINACA Eco Village; Mr. Leandro Gepila, Startup Community Enabler; Engr. Sean Empizo, Startup Community Enabler; Engr. Katherine Faith Aguilar, ICT Industry Development Bureau Regional Focal; Mr. Mike L. Payangdo, Project Development Officer; Ms. Frauline Bentayon, Planning Officer; Ms. Hailie Lexis Galvez, University of the Cordillera Technology Transfer Office (UCInTTo); and Mr. Winston Wyz Apolinar, Information Officer.

Further contributing to the exchange of ideas and mentorship during the activity, Startup Ausculate, 1st Runner-up of the Philippine Startup Challenge 10, also shared suggestions and insights on research development, startup capabilities, and pitch preparations to help strengthen the participants’ presentations.

𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵?
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your innovation, we’re here to help you develop your concept, prototype it, and pitch it with confidence. Our platform is here for you! Join us!

27/05/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐒𝐌𝐄)!

Join us on May 28, 2026 for Day 1 of the SME Webinar Series as our speakers share valuable insights on “𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘈𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘴”, and “𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨” — two essential areas that help startups grow, scale, and thrive in today’s fast-changing ecosystem.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on how startups attract and retain talent, build agile and mission-driven teams, and strategically create connections and partnerships that open doors to mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities.

The SME Webinar Series is designed to equip mentors, educators, startup enablers, and individuals with foundational startup knowledge, practical industry insights and effective mentoring approaches to better support early-stage startups and aspiring founders.

See you tomorrow at 1:00 PM via Zoom and Facebook Live!

26/05/2026

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗲: 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆

With the growing interest in emerging technologies, a webinar titled “Crypto and Blockchain 101: History, Use Cases, Opportunities” was conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR), led by the ICT Industry Development Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region, on May 26, 2026, streamed on Zoom and Facebook with over 200 participants in attendance.

DICT-CAR Regional Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten, in his opening message, espoused the growing importance of understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies, emphasizing that as technology continues to redefine economies, reshape trust, and transform how the world operates, conversations about crypto and blockchain are no longer merely relevant but have become indispensable.

Featuring Mr. Aldrin Taccayan, Co-Founder of Cyber
Warriors and Inv8, and Lead of the Local Chapter of Viction, as the subject matter expert, he commenced his discussion with a brief overview of crypto and blockchain. He emphasized that blockchain technology enables faster, more transparent, and decentralized transactions through systems such as smart contracts, tokenization, and Web3 applications. He also cited local developments, including proposed regulations and government-led blockchain initiatives.

“There have been practical use cases of blockchain and the opportunities it offers for innovation, entrepreneurship, and career development, but it is still important to keep abreast of new developments for continuous learning as technology and cybersecurity evolve swiftly,” Taccayan added.

Taccayan also underscored both the promise and dangers of cryptocurrency, noting that digital assets, blending blockchain innovation with financial systems, require not only investment knowledge but also strict security discipline. He discussed Bitcoin, altcoins, and other blockchain-based assets while emphasizing the risks of scams, phishing attacks, and transaction errors in the fast-growing digital finance space. “I urged users to conduct thorough research, secure private credentials offline, and exercise caution when trading highly volatile meme coins,” he said.

Engr. Katherine Faith Aguilar, Regional Focal of the ICT Industry Development Bureau, stated that the cases, potential applications, and emerging opportunities discussed are timely for the Philippines, where digital innovation continues to reshape public systems and service delivery. “With its timeliness, it is right to encourage everyone to explore systems that can help better track public resources and provide clearer visibility on how they are utilized, to keep us informed, involved, and engaged in shaping a more transparent digital future,” she said.

26/05/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑!
Join us for an insightful and engaging webinar on “Crypto and Blockchain 101 (History, Use Cases, Opportunities, etc.)” featuring Mr. Aldrin Taccayan, Co-Founder Cyber Warrior

23/05/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑!
Join us for an insightful and engaging webinar on “Crypto and Blockchain 101 (History, Use Cases, Opportunities, etc.)” featuring Mr. Aldrin Taccayan, Co-Founder of Cyber Warriors & Inv8 and Lead, Local Chapter of Viction as he breaks down the fundamentals of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Discover the history of crypto, how blockchain works, real-world use cases, and the opportunities emerging in this rapidly evolving digital economy. Learn how these technologies are shaping the future of finance, business, and innovation.

📌 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
🗓️ Date: May 26, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00AM – 12:00NN
⏳ Duration: 3 hours
💻 Mode: Online (via Zoom)

🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐎𝐖:
https://tinyurl.com/WebinarSeries9Registration

✅ e-Certificate will be provided.
Note: The webinar access link and further instructions will be sent to registered participants via email prior to the event. Please ensure that your email address is correctly encoded upon registration.

This webinar is designed to empower students, professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts with foundational knowledge of blockchain technology and its growing impact across industries.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, explore, and step into the future of digital innovation!

22/05/2026

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱: 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲

As freelancing continues to reshape the digital workforce, the Department of Information and Communications Technology–Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR), led by the ICT Industry Development Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region (IIDB-CAR), conducted a webinar titled “Freelancing with Direction: Niche Discovery, Offer Creation, and Profile Optimization” on May 22, 2026, via Zoom, with over 300 participants tuned in from across the Philippines.

Opening the session, DICT-CAR Regional Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten underscored that freelancers who identify a clear niche, create value-driven offers, and build profiles that communicate expertise are no longer seen as just another service provider in the market. Instead, they become go-to strategic partners for clients.

Featuring Ms. Carmina Vale Z. Tarangco, digital entrepreneur and creator of the Niche Finder and Offer Builder bots, the discussions explored on how freelancing has evolved from general virtual assistant work to specialized services aimed at solving specific client problems.

Drawing from her personal journey after returning as a former Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai and uncertain of her next step, Tarangco shared how rediscovering her strengths and purpose helped her build and unlocked new skills. She encouraged participants to move beyond simply acquiring skills and instead focus on defining a niche based on who they serve and the specific solutions they aim to provide.

To further enrich the learning experience, Tarangco introduced her several AI-powered tools and resources she developed through GPT Builder, allowing participants to explore and try the platforms firsthand. These included the Freelance Niche Finder, Resume Optimizer, Offer Builder, ATS Format Template, as well as a Free Starter Kit designed to help aspiring freelancers and participants who simply want to begin their journey with greater clarity and confidence.

She emphasized the importance of reflection, focused direction, and immediate action, emphasizing that freelancing is not defined by perfection but by the courage to start and grow through experience. Advocating for purpose-driven careers, Tarangco echoed the principle of “purpose over profit,” affirming that clarity of purpose leads to more meaningful, fulfilling, and impactful work.

More than a discussion on freelancing, the webinar served as a reminder that meaningful beginnings are rooted in direction, value, and the willingness to take the first step. Project Development Officer Mike Payangdo noted that outcomes in freelancing go beyond skills and strategies, but are shaped by mindset, discipline, and direction.

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗨𝗜/𝗨𝗫

From wireframes to clickable prototypes, over 400 participants joined the webinar series “Getting Started with User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Design: From Zero to Your First Figma Project,” conducted by the ICT Industry Development Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region on May 20, 2026, to explore industry-relevant digital design skills using Figma.

Underscoring the growing role of UI/UX in technology, Dir. Jimmicio S. Daoaten, Regional Director of DICT-CAR, emphasized the importance of user-centered design. “UI/UX serves as the creative bridge within digital systems. Even the most powerful software in the world loses its value if users cannot easily navigate its interface,” Dir. Daoaten said.

During the session, Mr. Leandro Rey Gepila, Product Designer and Startup Ecosystem Operator, guided participants through the fundamentals of UI/UX design and demonstrated how Figma can transform ideas and visualizations into functional digital products and services. Through hands-on exercises, participants were guided the creation of text fields, buttons, icons, and other UI elements while applying proper alignment, styling, and grouping methods. Gepila emphasized how efficient workflows can help aspiring designers improve productivity when creating digital interfaces.

Beyond technical skills, Gepila highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in modern design workflows, stressing that functionality should always come before aesthetics. He also encouraged aspiring freelancers and creatives to begin with local projects and case studies to build their portfolios and gain experience. “Figma offers versatility. The platform can be utilized not only for software and application design, but also for various creative and collaborative projects. Participants may also explore professional development pathways such as Google’s UX Design Professional Certificate program to deepen their expertise in the field,” he said.

Participants were also reminded that UI/UX design goes beyond creating visually appealing interfaces, it is about designing experiences that are intuitive, purposeful, and impactful for users.

Engr. Katherine Faith Aguilar, Regional Focal of the ICT Industry Development Bureau, emphasized that growth in design is a continuous journey shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and constant learning. She encouraged aspiring creatives to maximize opportunities in freelancing and the corporate industry while continuing to develop meaningful and impactful digital experiences.

“What matters most is not perfection, but the willingness to practice, explore, and experiment. By continuously putting our design skills to the test, we can help shape better user experiences across various government platforms, services, and opportunities for growth,” Engr. Aguilar said.

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20/05/2026

17/05/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐑!
Join us for an inspiring and informative webinar featuring Carmina Vale Z. Tarangco, Digital Entrepreneur and Community Builder, and the Creator of Niche Finder and Offer Builder bots, as she shares valuable insights on digital entrepreneurship, community building, and creating innovative digital solutions in today’s evolving online industry.

Discover how to identify your niche, create targeted digital solutions, and connect with the right audience and companies to help you land your first client.

📌 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
🗓️ Date: May 22, 2026 (Friday)
⏰ Time: 9:00AM – 12:00NN
⏳ Duration: 3 hours
💻 Mode: Online

Registration
🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐎𝐖:
https://tinyurl.com/WebinarSeries8Registration

✅ e-Certificate will be provided.
Note: The webinar platform and access link will be sent to registered participants via email prior to the event. Please ensure your email address is correct upon registration.

This webinar aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, students, creators, and professionals by introducing practical strategies for niche discovery, identifying market opportunities, and finding the right target audience in today’s growing digital industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and start building your own digital success journey!