Clark Freeport to host ICT summit

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – With the global economy appearing headed for recovery, the investment and employment growth here gets another power boost with the holding of the 2nd National ICT Confederation of the Philippines Summit on Nov. 5-7.

President Arroyo is expected to grace the summit spearheaded by the Clark Development Corp. and Cyber City Teleservices Inc., the leading business process outsourcing firm here.

The summit, to be hosted by the Metro Clark ICT Council (MCICTC), is aimed at recognizing the importance of ICT in business. Some 4,000 delegates are expected to take part in the event.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort said the three-day event is in line with President Arroyo’s vision to make the Philippines globally competitive in the ICT industry.

“In line with the President’s vision, we have been pushing for the freeport as the center for ICT industries and other related projects in the country,” he said.

Ricafort said the ICT investments in Clark have generated thousands of jobs for Pampanga and other Central Luzon folk.

“We expect more such jobs to be created as more ICT firms locate in Clark, and the summit is another big, positive step in this direction,” he said.

The freeport is currently employing more than 50,000 workers.

George Sorio, Cyber City senior executive vice president, said the MCICTC is a member of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

The NICP represents the national venue of united partnership for the Philippines ICT industry. It is the hub of super regions in Asia with ready information technology platforms for investment destinations.

The Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority and other agencies support the project.