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| HAPPY GRADUATION. Ilocos Norte's second batch of DICT RIS graduates pose for posterity with their mentors and local officials on Dec. 2, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol session hall. (Lei Adriano) |
By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—Eighteen trainees from Ilocos Norte graduated on December 2, 2019 from a 12-day blended learning on digital marketing and e-commerce course courtesy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Technical Training program.
In a simple graduation ceremony held at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, Honey Eileen Julian said she feels more confident now after going through many sleepless nights to complete the comprehensive technical program.
“It’s quite fulfilling to finished the program—a survival of the fittest indeed!” said Ms. Julian saying her experience in digital marketing along with the small and medium enterprises they work with gave her new perspective in life.
In partnership with the national and provincial government, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the DICT RIS program was conceptualized five years ago to provide more opportunities in the rural areas through this technical training.
Of the 15 Ilocos Norte trainees who successfully completed the first batch of the program in 2018, almost all of them are now working freelance as they work at the comfort of their homes doing online marketing.
Composed of 35 tasks, each trainee successfully completed the training course focused on “branding for companies”, “products and services”, “web development”, “product photography and content writing”, “business blogging”, “social media content creation”, “building a freelancer profile” and other related trainings.
They were also taught about “data privacy law”, the cybercrime law, and “digital marketing ethics”.
Undertaken for almost two months, the training not only benefited the trainees but also their partner MSMEs where they were given the opportunity to have online presence and be able to promote their products and services globally.
To help more Ilocanos maximize their potentials, Wilfredo Lorenzo, head of the Information Technology office under the Ilocos Norte provincial government said more training venues will be offered next year to cover both cities of Batac and Laoag.
“There’s an increasing demand for OFWs or the so-called online Filipino workers so we hope to expand new sites next year in Batac City and Laoag City,” said Lorenzo.
In her message, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos has lauded the graduates and the people behind the training program for bringing in endless opportunities to local residents.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for you to enhance your 21st century skills. I am excited to see what the world has to offer you as well as what you can offer to the world. No matter what age or educational background you may have, I know you can make it,” said Mrs. Marcos as she wished the new graduates more equitable access to financial security as they gain more confidence to show their worth in a fast-paced development.
“Your graduation is not the end but the start of your journey. Always remember that your true value depends on you. Go on a journey and discover your full potential,” said Sherlane Fortunado, trainer of the DICT program.