The Philippines and the United States (US) have a long and positive history of partnership and collaboration, and the governments of both countries have been eager to explore further opportunities for cooperation. Recently, the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), and Department of Information & Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines, together with the Semiconductor Industry Association of the Philippines (SEIPI), met with San Francisco-based technology companies and institutions to explore areas of collaboration.
Undersecretary Aldaba of the DTI expresses his excitement for this collaboration, particularly regarding the development of satellite and wireless optical communication technology, its potential to democratize internet connectivity, agriculture and marine technology, data centers, and Artificial Intelligence.
DTI and DOST are working together to create a comprehensive roadmap to help industries in the Philippines make the most of their partnerships with US technology companies. This roadmap will be focused on areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Robotics.
The Philippine government recognizes that these technologies will be instrumental in providing access to healthcare, education, and financial services and driving innovation in the Philippines.
The collaboration between the Philippines and the US also seeks to develop the skills of IT professionals and technology entrepreneurs in the Philippines. To this end, the Philippine government has made available technology grants, scholarships, and other incentives to promote the development of technology in the country.
In addition, the Philippine government is also encouraging technological innovation through various initiatives such as the Philippine National Innovation Challenge and the Philippine Industry-Academe Linkage Program.
The collaboration between the Philippines and the US is a key step forward in strengthening the technology industry in the Philippines. The government is expecting to see more investments and development in the IT sector as a result. This collaboration can also improve the quality of life in the Philippines by increasing access to services and providing employment opportunities to those equipped with the necessary skills and experience.