Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary and Ugandan ICT Minister Highlight South-South Partnerships

A home run for PH-Uganda ties: Ugandan Minister of ICT and National Guidance presents Secretary Manalo with a baseball cap in Uganda’s national colors with an embroidery of the crested crane, Uganda’s national bird, which symbolizes progress. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY 16 June 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Ugandan Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, recognized the crucial role of South-South Cooperation (SSC) in helping developing countries unlock their potential for growth. The conversation took place during Dr. Baryomunsi's courtesy call on Secretary Manalo on 13 June 2023, marking an important step in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.

A delegation of Ugandan officials from the Ministry of ICT is currently in the Philippines from 10 to 17 June 2023 to participate in a Benchmarking Experience focused on the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. This initiative, jointly organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two countries towards inclusive employment generation in the ICT industry.

"The benchmarking experience in the Philippines is a testament to our commitment to support Uganda's growth aspirations. Our commitment to South-South Cooperation strengthens our partnership with Uganda, fostering collaboration for shared prosperity," said the Secretary.

Uganda draws inspiration from the Philippines' success in establishing the BPO industry, recognizing its potential to generate employment opportunities for young people. Learning from the Philippines' experience, Uganda is studying the country’s success in creating a thriving BPO sector. With a focus on ICT's transformative potential, Uganda seeks to provide job opportunities and drive socio-economic development by harnessing the power of the BPO industry. The Philippines and Uganda are undertaking the cooperation not only as bilateral partners but also within the context of their partnerships as members of the ITU Council.

During their discussion, Secretary Manalo and Minister Baryomunsi emphasized the importance of South-South Cooperation in achieving national development priorities. They recognized the mutual benefits of sharing experiences, expertise, and best practices among developing countries. This collaborative approach allows countries to learn from one another, accelerate progress, and overcome common challenges.

“Through South-South Cooperation, the Philippines and Uganda can forge a strong partnership based on shared experiences and mutual learning. Both our countries view ICT as a powerful force for socioeconomic development. By strengthening our collaboration, we can leverage each other's strengths and expertise, unlocking new possibilities and driving inclusive growth,” said Dr. Baryomunsi.

In addition to Dr. Baryomunsi, the Ugandan delegation was composed of Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Silas Ngabirano, Assistant Commissioner for Research and Development; Ms. Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, Senior ICT Officer, Research and Development; Mr. Mwenyi Davis Caxton Mandu, Cabinet Secretariat, Office of the President; Dr. Bazeyo William, Chairperson, BPO and innovators Council; and Mr. Otunnu Fred, Director of Corporate Affairs Uganda Communications Commission. 

During the call, the Secretary was joined by Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela of the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), Assistant Secretary Mardomel Celo D. Melicor of the Office of Middle Eastern and African Affairs (OMEAA), Director Jabbar Adiong (OMEAA), and Acting Director Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia (UNIO) while DICT was represented by Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau Emmy Lou V. Delfin, and Division Chief ICT Ecosystem Development Division Frances Loraine Valdez. END