BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (October 24, 2023)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), both in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), visited the London-based FCF Minerals Corp. to discuss vital projects concerning digital transformation in Runruno, Quezon town dubbed as Project GOLD (Generating Opportunities Livelihood Development).
DTI Region 2 Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and DICT Region 2 Director Pinky Jimenez the visit on October 24, 2023 was a brief yet impactful which aimed at pursuing important projects for different barangay (villages) and other assisted community-based organizations (CBO) by FCF Minerals Corp.
According to the DICT, Jimenez said their primary objective is to empower local residents through enhanced internet connectivity, thereby fostering digital transformation.
On the other hand, Ocampo said that with the DTI’s valuable assistance, both agencies are poised to propose an integration of their existing programs with those of FCF Minerals Corp. in villages and CBOs that the mine has been assisting.
During the visit, the DICT team presented an overview of the agency’s existing programs and services, including free WiFi For All, National Broadband Plan, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy and Competency, ICT Industry Development Bureau – ICT Industry Development; Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure, and Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System.
Leopoldo Castro Jr., FCF Minerals Sustainability Manager, and Agnes Rosales, FCF Minerals Community Relations Manager, thanked the DTI and DICT for sharing their commitment to community development.
Castro and Rosales have pledged to initiate assessments and analyze historical data to identify which barangays would benefit most from the proposed plans.
In partnership with the DTI and DICT under Project GOLD, Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals Corp. general manager for operations, said the company looks forward to fostering digital transformation and sustainability which will help drive positive change and also empower the community for years to come.