DICT sets IT certification program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has struck a partnership with Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and Coursera for a certification program for work-ready Filipinos in the IT sector.

Under the Google Career Certificate Program (GCCP), the DICT sees more Filipinos equipped with industry-relevant skills getting certified and thus getting them into high-value jobs in the ICT industry.

The program, aside from certification, also aims to equip individuals with critical ICT skills in cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support and project management, addressing the growing local and foreign demand for ICT professionals.

Launched during the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 last October, the GCCP also introduced Google AI Essentials, a course designed to enhance productivity through the effective use of generative artificial intelligence tools.

Wilroy Ticzon, DICT Assistant Secretary for consumer protection, said the program was strategically aligned with the nation’s cybersecurity goals and the broader impact of enhancing digital workforce competencies.

The GCCP initially targets unemployed individuals, university students, disadvantaged groups, micro, small to medium enterprises or MSME employees and government workers.