The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI), through its Information and Communications Technology Management Section (ICTMS), marked the National ICT Month with a one-day celebration on July 4, 2025, held at the DSWD Regional Office.

With the aim of promoting digital innovation in the public sector, the activity highlighted the pivotal role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in enhancing the delivery of social protection programs and services.

The event opened with a welcome message from DSWD XI OIC-Regional Director Merlinda A. Paragamac, who underscored the agency’s commitment to leveraging digital tools and systems to improve access, efficiency, and transparency in social service delivery.

A keynote techtalk titled “Digital Transformation in Social Protection” featured expert insights from Engr. Ernie C. Vargas of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Ms. Gresiel Ferrando from the University of Southeastern Philippines. The speakers emphasized the growing need for responsive, data-driven ICT solutions to support poverty alleviation, disaster response, and inclusive development through efficient social protection mechanisms.

The program also included an Open Forum and Q&A, a Tech Showcase by R3Hub, Infoworx, and DFE, and the Inter-Division ICT Quiz Bee—activities that encouraged knowledge sharing, digital awareness, and collaboration in support of technology-driven social service delivery.

The celebration served as a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation as DSWD XI continues to integrate ICT in advancing its mandate of delivering inclusive and effective social protection for all Filipinos.

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