DICT-13 equips online freelancers to become digital agency owners
Organized by the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) of the DICT central and Caraga regional offices, the event was a comprehensive learning session that featured industry experts from across the country.
These professionals shared valuable insights on crucial topics such as the LEAP (Learning English Application for Pinoys) and transition from freelancing to digital agency ownership, the legal and taxation aspects of building a digital agency, strategies for growing it through expanding networks, and essential tips for sustaining business growth in the competitive digital market.
"This is a great opportunity for agency owners like me. It's great to meet with like-minded individuals with the same goals and aspirations, as well as this can help us to be more motivated while at the same time being able to learn and connect with these people," Airyl Uriarte, a participant and founder of BizHarbor VA said in an interview.
Uriarte was a Digital Jobs PH (DJPH) scholar and is now an alumni who is starting to transition from an online freelancer to a homegrown digital agency owner.
"I really enjoyed the entire event. It is a big opportunity. I hope that there will be more events like this in the future." Uriarte added.
Attended by digital gig economy players in the region and local government units, the event served as a networking platform, allowing participants to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.
The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a shared vision of driving the local digital economy forward.
The event was also highly supported by the city government of Surigao City and the provincial government unit of Surigao del Norte, as they pledged their support and commitment to the advancement of the digital gig economy in Surigao City.
Though ASCEND is a regional event, Surigao City became the host city for its strong communities of digital freelancers and homegrown BPOs.
As Surigao City and the region's freelancing community continue to mature, the potential for leading the region’s gig economy becomes increasingly evident. With the insights and skills gained from the ASCEND event, Surigao City is poised to become a hub for digital innovation, with its freelancers transforming into successful digital agency owners, ready to compete on both national and international stages.
This growing movement not only highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Caraganons but it also positioned the region as a rising leader in the digital economy. (DICT-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
