TARLAC CITY (PIA) — A total of 15 Tarlaqueños completed the Strengthening of the Philippine Workforce through Adaptive and Responsive Digital Knowledge (SPARK) Technical Training of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Formerly known as the Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training and Digital Jobs PH, SPARK targets to provide employment to out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples among others.
DICT Regional Director Antonio Edward Padre said the training enables sustainable growth of ICT industries.
“SPARK specializes in training individuals to venture in freelancing employment and create their own company as it provides a framework for the development of the digital workforce to ensure that Filipinos are equipped with digital skills and 21st century skills. Actually, many companies have been built as a product of the previous training we facilitated,” he explained.
Digital Transformation Centers allow beginning freelancers who experience challenges with internet connectivity access free connection in the computer labs established by the agency.
“With the training package, participants may create their online profile and presence, enhance their capabilities in computer applications, maximize their talents through specialized services such as digital arts, and directly connect with potential clients,” he furthered.
Interested trainees may visit the official Facebook page DICT Region 3 for more details.
In Central Luzon, the agency targets to complete two training sessions per semester with 25 participants per course for a two-week training period.
“We have exceeded our target of two training sessions for this semester [first semester of 2024] and conducted a total of four sessions because of the support of and our partnership with the local government units who provide other expenses like food for our participants,” Padre shared.
Currently, about 2,000 beneficiaries in the region completed the training session with 60 percent having long term contracts with their clients while 40 percent having project-based clients.
Courses offered include Mobile App Development, General Transcription, Logo Design and Branding, Social Media Management, Mastering English as a Second Language Teaching, and Mastering Job Preparedness for Online Work.
Also, Contact Center Services National Certification Level II (NC II), Creative Web Design NC II, Events Management Services NC II, Java Programming NC II, and Computer Systems Servicing NC II.
One of the beneficiaries, Esperanza Duro expressed her gratitude to DICT for the skills she acquired particularly on graphic design, social media management, and digital marketing.
“I am grateful for this program because it is really helpful especially for those who have zero knowledge in freelancing. I appreciate the full support of the organizers and our resource persons throughout the training,” she said.
The latest batch of SPARK training completers received their certificates during the culminating activity of the National ICT Month celebration in Central Luzon that was held in Tarlac City.
Highlights of that activity also included the signing of the pledge of commitment of government institutions for partnership and support towards DICT programs and projects, and conduct of training on Digital Innovation for Women Advancement.
This year’s National ICT Month celebration bears the theme “Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas”. (CLJD/GLSB, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
