04 June 2015 - The Philippines shared its experience in promoting digital literacy during the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum held in Geneva from May 25 to 29. The Philippines was represented by the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology, through Engineer Denis Villorente and Ms. Maria Teresa Magno-Garcia.

Engineer Villorente discussed the Philippine Digital Strategy 2011-2016 during the breakout session “Mainstreaming eSkilling” on May 28. His presentation focused on the Philippine Government’s eSkilling programs, particularly the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Competency Standards or NICS. He also shared information about other projects in line with the objectives of the NICS, namely: to produce a more globally competent workforce which acquired the necessary skills through the use of ICT; to improve the capacity of the government workforce to effectively develop and manage government ICT infrastructure and systems; and to raise digital literacy in the country.

The WSIS is the world’s largest gathering of the community of experts in the field of ICT. The annual Forum provides a venue for creating and sharing of knowledge, strengthening partnerships and networks, and sharing best practices.

For 2015, the theme of the forum is “Innovating Together: Enabling ICTs for Sustainable Development.” The WSIS Forum is co-organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), UN Development Program (UNDP) and UN Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with other UN agencies. END