DICT’s ASCEND Program Guides Iligan Freelancers Toward Digital Agency Ownership
Freelancers in Iligan City and nearby provinces are now being equipped with the skills and knowledge to transition into digital agency owners through the ASCEND Program, part of the EDGE PH initiative of the ICT Industry Development Bureau.
Iligan ASCEND: From Freelancers to Digital Entrepreneurs
According to Sittie Rakma Alawi, Regional Director of DICT Region 10, ASCEND aims to empower freelancers to take the next step in their careers:
“From an individual worker as a freelancer, they will be able to put up their own agency and even become BPO owners.”
Through the Empowering Digital Workers of the Gig Industry Ecosystem in the Philippines (EDGE PH) program, DICT seeks to strengthen the gig economy, boost competitiveness, and expand employment opportunities for Filipino freelancers, particularly in rural areas like Iligan, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur.
DICT Iligan Officer Acmilah Macabuat emphasized that freelancers are guided on the process of registering their agencies, ensuring compliance with business requirements while accessing government incentives.
Meanwhile, Jhonny Paul Lagura, Executive Director of the Iligan ICT Council and Head of the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability, highlighted the local government’s support:
“With Mayor Frederick Siao’s direction, we are excited to see the rise of registered BPOs and outsourcing agencies in Iligan and nearby areas.”
Why the ASCEND Program Matters for Iligan Freelancers
- Business Growth Opportunities – Learn how to transition from freelancing to managing a digital agency.
- Government Support & Incentives – Guidance from DICT, DTI, and local councils ensures sustainability.
- Boosting the Local Economy – Registered agencies contribute to Iligan’s digital innovation ecosystem.
- Inclusive Growth – Empowering rural-based freelancers to compete globally.
The ASCEND learning session in Iligan gathered hundreds of participants, reflecting the strong interest of local freelancers in advancing their digital careers.
Take the Next Step
Freelancers in Iligan are urged to seize this opportunity to evolve from independent contractors into full-fledged digital entrepreneurs. With ASCEND, the pathway to building sustainable businesses is now clearer than ever.