The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched RISE PH, marking a major step forward in bridging digital divides and fostering collaboration across regions in the Philippines.
The milestone event, held in the RISE Region 3 – Central Luzon in Pampanga, is the evolution of RISE from a series of regional summits beginning November last year into a program that empowers regions to thrive in the digital age.
RISE PH, which stands for Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions, has become a platform for addressing challenges such as skills gaps, infrastructure limitations, and investment shortages.
Deep-diving into local discussions focused on synergy, business environment and talent development, RISE visited all the regions of the country to collect first-hand data from local stakeholders, while showcasing various opportunities in the digital space such as the existence of the Philippine Skills Framework for ICT industries.
DICT secretary Ivan John Uy emphasized the profound results brought by the initiative: “RISE PH has shown us what’s possible when we unite under a shared vision. Now, we aim to transform these regional successes into a sustainable movement that will propel the Philippines as a global ICT leader.”
What began as separate regional efforts has organically grown into a coordinated and impactful direction which the DICT aims to sustain.
Data from the program reveals that 45% of stakeholders report their locations as having moderate digital maturity, signaling readiness for deeper collaboration.
Even more promising, 65% of stakeholders have established training programs, actively scaling and sharing their initiatives to foster greater impact.
The evolution of RISE PH underscores how regional variations in digital maturity are transforming into opportunities for mentorship and learning.
Rather than viewing differences as gaps, regions are leveraging them as platforms for mutual support, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Since its inception led by ICT Industry Development undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, RISE PH has engaged over 3,500 stakeholders across all the regions, spotlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, academia, and local communities.
The initiative has activated ICT councils, launched innovation hubs, and developed strategic roadmaps for digital transformation in diverse regions.
Key accomplishments of the initiative include the creation or strengthening of ICT councils and innovation hubs, which have strengthened regional ecosystems. It also achieved significant engagement from local governments, setting benchmarks for participation in transformation efforts.
The program promoted inclusive participation across regions, highlighting its commitment to diversity, while strong private sector involvement underscored readiness for economic growth and collaboration, Batapa-Sigue said.
“RISE PH has turned challenges into opportunities, proving that no region needs to be left behind. This is not just about transformation — it’s about empowering every Filipino to be part of the country’s digital journey,” Batapa-Sigue said.
