By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya was named Champion of Digital Governance at the Partner Summit 2025 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on November 25 at Cagayan State University here.
The summit, organized by the DICT’s ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, carried the theme “Walang Iwanan sa Digital Bayanihan” and brought together government leaders, industry partners, and academic institutions to boost collaboration for digital literacy and ICT competency nationwide.
The Champion of Digital Governance Award recognizes local governments that show strong leadership and support for ICT programs that drive digital transformation and inclusive development. Criteria include the number of ICT projects done with DICT, funding and resources provided for ICT, creation or support of ICT offices, participation of local officials in trainings, and the impact of these efforts on community digital inclusion, such as residents trained and digital centers established.
Nueva Vizcaya was cited for its sustained partnership with DICT, according to Provincial Information and Technology Division (PITD) chief Sherlyn B. Fernandez, through continued collaboration in the implementation of the Free Wi‑Fi ti Umili program that complements the national Free Wi‑Fi for All initiative, support for the rollout of ICT training programs and provincial capacity‑building activities, and the provision of training venues, equipment, and other ICT requirements for the conduct of ICT‑related activities in the province.
Fernandez, who heads the PITD, received the award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya.
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito thanked the DICT for the recognition, saying it affirms the province’s commitment to digital inclusion.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the DICT as Champion of Digital Governance. This award is a testament to the hard work of our provincial team and our strong partnership with DICT in bringing digital services and opportunities closer to every Novo Vizcayano. We thank the DICT for its unwavering support, and we will continue to invest in ICT programs so that no one in our communities is left behind in the digital age,” Governor Gambito said.
