COTABATO CITY ― Bangsamoro lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at promoting digital literacy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) skills training in order to foster economic development and technological advancement.
Parliament Bill No. 185, or the Bangsamoro Digital Literacy and ICT Skills Training Act of 2023, seeks to provide comprehensive and sustainable training to individuals and groups in the region.
Member of the Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil, the principal author of the bill, emphasized the importance of digital literacy and ICT skills in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Lack of access to such training can hinder economic opportunities and social inclusion. The bill, Mawallil said, aims to bridge the gap by offering free training programs to interested individuals, particularly those who lack the resources to attend paid training courses.
The Basic Digital Literacy and Intermediate ICT Skills Training program, as outlined in the bill, will employ industry-standard software and tools. Certified trainers and instructors will conduct the training through various platforms and delivery modes, including online, offline, and blended learning.
The Bangsamoro Government, in coordination with the Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Ministry and the Science and Technology Ministry, will establish and oversee the program.
PB No. 185 specifies several topics to be covered in the training programs, including basic computer operations, digital literacy, and intermediate ICT skills. The program will encompass institutional development, marketing, talent development, research, and policy development, ensuring its comprehensive and effective implementation.
One of the primary goals of the bill is to enhance the employability of the Bangsamoro region’s workforce and boost its competitiveness in the global market. By providing individuals with the opportunity to improve their qualifications and increase their employment prospects, the bill aims to establish the BARMM as an attractive destination for global outsourced services.
The bill recognizes the importance of gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches to digital literacy and ICT skills training. It ensures that the needs and perspectives of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized sectors are taken into consideration during the program’s design and implementation.
To support the program, the bill will appropriate funds for the construction of training facilities, the procurement of equipment, and the payment of salaries and benefits for trainers and staff.
Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Atty. Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen, and Hamid Malik are also sponsoring PB No. 185.
MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, and Rasul Ismael co-authors of PB No. 185. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)