October 5, 2023
BUTUAN CITY – Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is poised to become a beacon for digital wanderers with the inaugural Philippine Digital Nomad Summit held in Del Carmen. The three-day event, launched on Thursday, promises to open avenues for both business and tourism.
The summit, marking the first major gathering of local and international digital nomads, is designed to shed light on their unique lifestyles, with enriching sessions and dialogues. Mindanao Development Authority’s Chairperson, Maria Belen Acosta, who was present during the opening ceremony, mentioned that this initiative will bolster Siargao’s reputation as a hub of innovation and inspiration.
Digital nomads, or ‘DiNos’ as Acosta referred to them, are evolving as modern-day narrators. They will play a crucial role in showcasing Mindanao as a serene, flourishing, and investment-ready region. Acosta views this summit as a significant leap towards digital progression in Mindanao, aligning with the key objectives of the Mindanao Peace and Development Agenda 2023-2028.
Echoing her sentiments, Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative, Francisco Jose Matugas II, highlighted the limitless potential of the digital era, where physical boundaries no longer hinder collaboration and discovery. Earlier in May, Matugas introduced the Digital Nomad Visa Bill, House Bill 8165, which is now under the scrutiny of the House Committee on Justice.
Matugas elaborated, “The Digital Nomad Visa Bill envisions a future where work is adaptable and fluid. As the landscape of work undergoes transformation, it becomes vital to cater to those leading a geographically unbound lifestyle.”
The bill encompasses vital provisions, like streamlining visa processes for DiNos, recognizing their expertise beyond mere tourism, and fostering a vibrant digital nomad community. Emphasizing the economic ripple effect, Matugas pointed out that these digital wanderers contribute significantly to local sectors like housing, food, and transportation.
Additionally, Ivan John Uy, the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), who was also in attendance, opined that technological advancements are redefining conventional work dynamics. Uy expressed optimism, stating, “Together, with collaborative endeavors, we can establish an environment enticing enough for DiNos to regard places like Siargao as their alternate abode.”
The summit is a joint effort by the DICT, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Abakada Studios, and the municipalities of Del Carmen and General Luna in Siargao.
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