The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) mandates Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure competencies of Filipino professionals. However, securing CPD training opportunities is often a costly undertaking for Filipinos, as it ranges from Php 800 to Php 5,500. For those in the provinces, CPD training also means additional travel and lodging expenses.
To reduce this burden and to make continuing education and development more accessible to all, the DICT R9BASULTA with the PRC offered free professional development courses with technology-focused modules for teachers and electronic communication engineers. These were made available online and face-to-face through Digital Transformation Centers (DTC) in ZAMBASULTA regions. In 2024, these courses served 6,314 participants with 7 - 10 CPD units.
Future plans include developing CPD courses for accounting professionals.
This opportunity is a welcome development as it addresses the needs of Filipino professionals for continuing education and developing tech-related competencies for future-ready skills.

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• Zamboanga Peninsula Region Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

The programs, particularly the Digital Teachers Program and the integration of technology into professional development, can be easily replicated in other regions or countries. The training modules and digital tools can be adapted to different contexts and professional fields.

Online learning platforms and digital resources further enhance scalability and make replication more feasible. The focus of integrating technology-focused modules for specific professional groups (teachers, engineers) provides a clear model that can be adapted for other professions.

The sustainability of these initiatives is supported by several factors:
1. Government backing: The involvement of government agencies like the Professional Regulations Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology through its ICT Literacy, and Competency Development Bureau which develops, promotes, & implements ICT literacy and competency in the country indicates a level of commitment and potential for continued funding.

2. Focus on capacity building: By training professionals and equipping them with digital skills, the initiatives create a self-sustaining cycle of knowledge and skill development.
Integration with existing systems: Integrating technology into the CPDAS ensures that continuous professional development remains a priority.

3. Collaboration with various sectors: Partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders can contribute to long-term sustainability.
The office is currently making necessary preparations to expand the program, to provide the same opportunities to Certified Public Accountants in partnership with Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) in the year 2025.

However, long-term funding, continuous updates to training materials to keep up with technological advancements, and ongoing technical support will be crucial for ensuring full sustainability.

By providing free upskilling in ICT, the project increases digital literacy and competency among Filipino professionals. This, in turn, fosters confidence in using technology, contributing to a more secure and digitally empowered community. Confident users are less vulnerable to online threats and more likely to engage with digital services. This project emphasizes the application of ICT skills in various professional fields. This demonstrates the benefits of ICT across different sectors, from healthcare and education to engineering and business. By showcasing these real-world applications, the project encourages wider adoption and integration of ICTs in all aspects of life.