City mulls “digital creative hub” possibility

Plans to establish the Summer Capital as the Digital Creative Hub of the North were among topics discussed during the Baguio City Information and Communications Technology Council (BCICTC) second convening meeting, August 14, at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) function hall.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, BCICTC chair, presided over the meeting spearheaded by the City Mayor’s Office-Management Information and Technology Division (CMO-MITD) led by Patrick Vinluan aimed at further enhancing collaborations to achieve a more liveable and SMART-sustainable city.

In an overview, CMO executive assistant V Samantha Jean Hamada said the BCICTC occupies a pivotal role in shaping the Information Communications Technology (ICT) landscape of the city that is marching towards full SMART city status where technology is used in delivering more efficient and effective service to the public.

The BCICTC’s areas of emphasis include advancement of digital literacy and education; infrastructure enrichment; cultivate cross-sector collaboration; and good governance, she added.

Department of ICT (DICT)-Cordillera Dir. Pinky Jimenez presented her agency’s current and proposed programs, projects and services including the planned rehabilitation of the DICT-Post Office building.

Also presented were the proposed Technical Working Group and its functions and duties by Melecio Balangen, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while Raul Boncan Jr. of ZigZag Studios, a digital animation company, discussed Republic Act 11904 which makes it a policy of the State to promote and support the development of Philippine creative industries.

The Mayor requested Boncan for a project proposal that will help transform Baguio into North Luzon’s digital creative hub as the latter cited the city’s abundance in talent being an educational center and conducive environment for the planned endeavor.

The BCICTC’s proposed mission, vision, objectives and priority areas were also discussed that are targeted to be finalized and approved in its next meeting later this year. – Gaby B. Keith