NICP: Creating connections and opportunities where there is none 

In today’s global economy, the best way to move forward is to go digital. Digital classrooms, digital processes, digital-ready governments, digital everything. Our neighboring countries are gearing up towards this (some are even fille equipped), so why should we be late to the party? The need for a unified National Information and Communication Technology Confederation can not be understated enough. 

The cconomic boom of the ICT industry is evident in Metro Manila. “But what about the others outside of Metro Manila?” Asks NICP 2020 President Michael Tiu Lim. One of their flagship projects includes identifying cities that are ICT-ready and equipping those cities for the change. From connecting the businesses with the LGUs to talent development, NICP aids in all of these. 

“We can only get better if we do it together,”Tiu Lim shares. With 80 councils and counting, the NICP is on the lookout for more members and councils to champion their cause of pushing the Philippines into the inevitable digital future. The goal is to get 120 more councils and members to join and effectively solidify their national presence. Currently in their all-star team are some government officials from Aklan, Butuan, and many other developing cities outside of Metro Manila. All of which are in pursuit to making their localities better with the collaboration and energy NICP brings to the table. 

“Instead of having good talent stay and help their own cities grow, they flee to another one because there are no opportunities in the city for these specialists,” shares Tiu Lim. This “brain drain” cycle renders the city in limbo and the main metro hubs racing away while some cities are left to bite the dust. NICP hopes to change this by making towns ready for these big changes. 

While the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines is usually labelled as a group that champions BPOs and tech hubs, the real heart of the NICP is creating opportunities where there is none. And that doesn’t necessarily mean creating more tech-hubs and BPOs. 

When asked what projects they have successfully accomplished since establishment in 2008, the answers are an unusual mix of job generation to infrastructure (creating bridges and roads for accessibility) to healthcare (providing accessible radiographs in select barangays). Yes, ICT is more than just call centers. 

One can easily dismiss that the NICP might be confused on what they want to do as a Confederation but Tiu Lim clarifies that with the many problems in the country, IT can be the solution to these many problems. The team believes that the extremely flexible field of IT can help everyone. 

“Every city is different. Every city has different problems and different needs,” shares Tiu Lim. The goal is to use ICT to its full advantage so everyone in the rural and developing cities bloom into a Mega City. Through NICP, businesses, cities, and people can push the Philippines forward—and in the right direction.

“IT is everywhere. All industries can benefit from IT. Be it planning your crops, working at a call center, improving healthcare facilities, everyone gains from IT,” adds Tiu Lim. 

A lot of people might think that creating these business hubs will negatively affect the environment, but another important focus of NICP is sustainability. In rural areas such as those outside of Metro Luzon, it is so important to preserve, protect, and harmoniously work around making sustainable cities before they are even up and running. Sustainable urban planning and engagement of the local industry is key for NICP.

With its growing network, NICP is all about creating connections (pun intended) to different industries. This buzzling confederation wants to inspire and promote collaboration of the ICT sector to the infinite industries it can help revolutionize. 

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