A group of chief information officers (CIOs) and senior IT leaders in the Philippines held its first annual general membership meeting, underscoring the growing role of technology leadership in government and industry as digital transformation accelerates.
The organization, CIO Philippines (CIOPH), said the April 23 gathering brought together members from both the public and private sectors, reflecting its expansion since its founding in June 2024 with 37 members to more than 170 today.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda delivered the keynote address and led the oath-taking of the group’s officers and board members.
In his remarks, he pointed to ongoing efforts in telecommunications modernization, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies as part of the country’s push to improve global competitiveness.
Aguda emphasized the evolving role of technology executives, saying they are “no longer just back-office enablers, but critical decision-makers and nation builders who help drive economic progress, public sector efficiency, and national resilience.”
Newly elected CIOPH president Romy Cambaliza said the group aims to serve as a platform for collaboration among technology leaders and as a bridge between government and the private sector. The organization is also positioning itself as a collective voice on issues such as cybersecurity, innovation management, and digital transformation.
Vice president Charles Merioles outlined plans to expand membership engagement and roll out leadership and professional development programs, while strengthening partnerships with government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The group said the meeting signals its intent to play a larger role in shaping the country’s digital agenda, as technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital public services continue to reshape the economy.
