NICT Summit 2026 Kicks Off at Manila Hotel - “Strengthening Public Trust in Government Through Technology and Innovation

June 22-23, 2026 | The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila

 Government officials, tech leaders, and innovators gathered today at *The Manila Hotel* for the *NICT Summit 2026*, a 2-day forum focused on one urgent question: How can digital tech rebuild and strengthen public trust in government?

With the theme *“Strengthening Public Trust in Government Through Technology and Innovation”*, the summit runs *June 22-23, 2026* and positions Manila as the hub for GovTech discussions in ASEAN this year.

*Day 1 Highlights: June 22, 2026*

1. *Opening Keynote - “Trust by Design”*  

   DICT officials opened the summit emphasizing that transparency, data privacy, and citizen-first design are no longer “extras” - they’re the foundation of e-government. _“Ang tiwala ng tao, hindi na lang nakukuha sa pangako. Nakukuha na rin sa code at data,”_ one speaker said.

2. *Panel: “From Red Tape to One Click”*  

   LGU leaders from Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and Davao shared how AI chatbots, e-payment portals, and digital IDs cut processing time from weeks to minutes. Case study: Calamba City’s new permit system that gives real-time status updates to applicants.

3. *Innovation Showcase*  

   The Manila Hotel ballroom turned into a GovTech expo. Startups demoed:  

   - Blockchain for land title verification to fight land grabbing  

   - AI-powered public service chatbots in Tagalog + 10 regional dialects  

   - Cybersecurity tools built specifically for LGU systems

4. *“Gov for Gen Z” Town Hall*  

   Student leaders debated with officials about fake news, digital literacy, and how government can communicate better on TikTok and Messenger - where most Filipinos get news now.

 *What to Expect on Day 2: June 23, 2026*

1. *Workshop: Building Trust Through Data Privacy*  

   Hands-on session for government IT staff on NPC guidelines + practical steps to protect citizen data.

2. *“Innovation Pitch” Competition*  

   10 Filipino startups will pitch GovTech solutions to a panel of DICT + private investors. Winner gets pilot funding with an LGU partner.

3. *Closing Fireside Chat*  

   Tech leaders + policymakers will discuss: “Can AI make government more human?”

 *Why Manila Hotel Matters*

Hosting at The Manila Hotel was symbolic. A century-old landmark meeting 2026 digital innovation - showing that trust in government blends heritage, accountability, and new tech.

*Key takeaway from Day 1:* Technology alone doesn’t build trust. But when systems are fast, transparent, and secure, _tiwala ng bayan_ follows.

#NICTSUMMIT2026

#emudhra #maroonstudios #sagesoft

#outsystems #globebusiness #AWS

#Adminbyrequest #Fudo #Gefura #Sangfor

#Banbros #Easterncommunications #Autodesk

#Cisco #Canon #Fortinet #netpoleon #GSIS

#SolidBusiness #DellTechnologies

Celebrating Rizal’s 165th Birth Anniversary on June 19, 2026

Calamba City, Laguna turned into the nation’s center of patriotism today as *Laguna Governor Sol Aragones,  *Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito* joined Mayor Roseller H. Rizal, Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro Jr. , Congresswoman Charisse Hernandez, members of Sangguniang Panlungsod, Board Members, representatives from  various Civic organizations, government officials, ever present medias, and thousands of Calambeños, in celebrating the *165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal* at the Rizal Shrine, the hero’s exact birthplace on Mercado Street.

With the theme *“Pamana ng Bayani: Kabataan, Pag-asa ng Bayan”*, this year’s Rizal Day emphasized unity between local and national leaders to inspire the youth.

*VIP Guests Honor Rizal at “Bahay ni Rizal”*

The program began in the morning with a *flag raising and wreath-laying ceremony* at the replica of the Mercado-Rizal ancestral house.

*Laguna Governor Sol Aragones* led the provincial wreath offering. In her message, she said: _“Si Rizal ay anak ng Laguna. Ngayong 2026, tungkulin natin sa probinsya na palakasin ang edukasyon at kabuhayan - dahil iyon ang ipinaglaban ni Gat Jose.”_ She also announced additional scholarship funds for Laguna students under the “Rizal Iskolar” program.

*Senator JV Ejercito*, guest of honor, delivered the keynote address  “Rizal wrote with a pen, not a sword. Sa panahon ngayon ng fake news at AI, ang panulat pa rin - at critical thinking - ang pinakamabisang armas ng kabataan,”_ the senator stressed. He pledged support for the *“Rizal Digital Archives for Schools”* project launched today, which gives students free access to Rizal’s digitized works. And committed 100 Million pesos for Laguna MEGA Clinic

*Mayor Roseller H. Rizal* welcomed the guests and led the tour at the "Museo Ni Jose Rizal Calamba".

 *Highlights of the 2026 Celebration*

1. *“Lakad Rizal” Unity Walk*: Gov. Aragones, gov't officials and Mayor Rizal walked with 1,500 students from the Shrine to Plaza Rizal, carrying flags and banners with Rizal quotes reimagined for 2026 issues like mental health and digital citizenship.

2. *“Tula at Awit kay Gat Jose”*: Performances by LPU-Laguna and Calamba public school students featured _Mi Ultimo Adios_ in Tagalog, English, and Filipino Sign Language.

3. *Calamba Bayani Market*: Local MSMEs sold _buko pie_, _kesong puti_, and crafts at Plaza Rizal. Proceeds go to Calamba’s scholarship fund

 *Leaders’ Unified Message*

The 3 leaders stood together for a photo at the birth site and delivered one shared message to the youth: _“Ang tunay na pag-ibig sa bayan, nagsisimula sa pag-aaral, paglilingkod, at malasakit - tulad ni Rizal.”_

For Calamba, having the Governor and a Senator join the birthday rites at “Bahay ni Rizal” made 2026’s Rizal Day more than a ceremony. It became a reminder that Rizal’s legacy is a shared responsibility from _barangay_ to Senate.

*“Isinilang si Rizal sa Calamba. Pero ang diwa niya, para sa buong Pilipinas,”* Mayor Rizal concluded.

#CalambaCity

#MayorRosellerRizal

#GovSolAragones

#MuseoNiJoseRizalCalamba

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 Marks Shift from Web3 Potential to Real-World Deployment

 

Captions: Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 presents its 2026 theme, building on the momentum of last year’s “Decoded” event.

MANILA, Philippines, April 20, 2026 — The next phase of the digital economy will not be announced after the fact—it will take shape in real time at Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026.

From June 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, PBW 2026 returns with the theme “Decoded: Deployed.” This year’s event moves beyond theory to showcase how blockchain is already being used to power real systems—from finance and gaming to public infrastructure and digital identity.

If you have ever used a digital wallet, played an online game to earn, or questioned how public funds are tracked, you are already part of this shift. PBW 2026 is where you see where it goes next—and who is building it.

From “Decoded” to “Deployed”

PBW 2026 reflects the country’s transition from understanding blockchain to actively implementing it. What was once experimental is now being deployed—with growing relevance in transparency, accountability, and economic participation.

The event is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees, surpassing last year’s 11,000 participants and marking its largest gathering since its launch in 2022.

“PBW 2026 brings together the energy of a festival with the depth of a world-class conference. We're creating a full-spectrum experience, where business, culture, and community come together in one space,” said PBW President and Co-Founder Janelle Barretto.

Designed to be the most expansive PBW yet, the event brings together decision-makers, builders, creators, and communities across multiple touchpoints:

Here’s what to expect at PBW 2026:

Philippine Blockchain Leadership Forum
An invitation-only summit co-presented by the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP), aligning leaders from government, finance, and global industry to shape policy, accelerate collaboration, and define blockchain’s role alongside AI and cybersecurity.

Alt+Tab Gaming & Music Festival
A high-energy cultural platform connecting blockchain to the next generation through gaming, esports, P-Pop, cosplay, and fandom-driven experiences.

Decoded: Deployed Main Conference
Where global thought leaders present real-world applications of blockchain—from financial inclusion to secure data ownership and beyond.

Innovation Expo

A hands-on look at Web3 in action, featuring fintech platforms, gaming ecosystems, and enterprise solutions already being deployed across the Philippines.

Also featured: Celebrity Bazaar, PBW Fight Night, hackathon, VC–startup matchmaking, after-parties, and curated networking events designed to turn conversations into partnerships.

The Philippines’ young, mobile-first population and deeply embedded gaming culture continue to position it as a key Web3 market. From play-to-earn ecosystems to digital asset platforms and emerging fintech solutions, blockchain is no longer niche—it is becoming part of everyday life.

Blockchain: A New Era of Digital Trust

As the Philippine digital economy accelerates, blockchain is moving from exploration to execution.

From transparency initiatives to policy proposals like the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, both industry and government are beginning to operationalize the technology. Programs such as the BCP’s Integrity Chain further reflect this shift—exploring how blockchain can strengthen accountability in real-world settings.

At PBW 2026, this momentum converges—bringing together the people, platforms, and policies shaping what comes next.

“Blockchain is no longer just about potential—it’s about execution,” said BCP Chairman and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President, Donald Lim. “What matters now is how we align efforts across industry and government to turn early use cases into systems that deliver real, lasting impact.”

This is not just another industry event—it is where the next wave of partnerships, products, and policies begins. If you are serious about being part of the digital economy, this is where you need to be—not after, but while it is happening.

Since its inception, PBW has evolved into a platform where ideas turn into action. For tickets and more information, visit https://pbw.ph/ or email info@pbw.ph

Decoded: Deployed Main Conference
Where global thought leaders present real-world applications of blockchain—from financial inclusion to secure data ownership and beyond.

Innovation Expo
A hands-on look at Web3 in action, featuring fintech platforms, gaming ecosystems, and enterprise solutions already being deployed across the Philippines.

Also featured: Celebrity Bazaar, PBW Fight Night, hackathon, VC–startup matchmaking, after-parties, and 

COMELEC Active In The Preparations for Dasmariñas Special Election

Dasmariñas City, Cavite — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) continues to strengthen its preparations for upcoming electoral exercises as it conducted its 1st Coordination Meeting for the Special Election for Member of the House of Representatives representing the 4th District of Cavite (Dasmariñas City).

The meeting, held on June 11, 2026 at the Socio-Economic Building in Burol Main, Dasmariñas City, was led by COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, together with members of the COMELEC En Banc — Commissioners Rey E. Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr., Maria Norina S. Tangaro-Casingal, and Noli R. Pipo.

The activity marked the beginning of the agency’s operational preparations to ensure that the special election will be conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and credible manner, giving Dasmariñas voters the opportunity to choose their next representative.

COMELEC is tasked to conduct the special election following the permanent vacancy in the House of Representatives after the expulsion of 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga Jr. on June 2, 2026.

Under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7166, the poll body is mandated to hold a special election when a permanent vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives before the end of the term, ensuring that constituents will continue to have representation in Congress.

The preparation comes as COMELEC manages multiple major electoral responsibilities, including the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections and the early groundwork for the 2028 National and Local Elections.

Despite the demanding election calendar, Chairman Garcia and the COMELEC leadership emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness and ensuring that every electoral process is properly planned and executed.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Executive Director for Administration Atty. Helen G. Aguila-Flores, Deputy Executive Director for Operations Atty. Rafael B. Olaño, and other officials from the COMELEC Main Office and Region IV-A.

As COMELEC continues its preparations on several fronts, the poll body reminded the public to follow official announcements regarding schedules and procedures for the Dasmariñas City Special Election.

The agency’s continued coordination reflects its commitment to safeguarding the people’s right to vote and ensuring that every community maintains its voice in government.

#COMELEC

#DasmarinasCaviteSpecialElection

Safety First! COMELEC Orders School Assessment After Southern Mindanao Earthquake For The Upcoming Elections

Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao, George Erwin M. Garcia ordered field personnel of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to conduct an assessment of schools that will serve as voting centers for upcoming elections.

Garcia said the evaluation will determine whether schools remain safe and suitable for use, or if alternative venues will be needed.

“Inatas natin sa ating mga tauhan sa field [na] alamin at magkaroon ng assessment tungkol sa kalagayan ng mga eskwelahan na gagamitin natin, hindi lamang sa Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, lalong-lalo na itong mga gagamitin natin para sa Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE),” Garcia said.

“Kakailanganin ba nating ilipat ’yung mismong lugar kung saan magkakaroon ng election o pwedeng manatili na lamang doon sa mismong area kung nasaan ang paaralan,” he added.

The COMELEC chief emphasized that the safety of voters, teachers, and election personnel remains a priority as preparations continue for the scheduled electoral activities.

COMELEC Chief Garcia Acted At Once After Southern Mindanao Earthquake

June 10, 2026–Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao, George Erwin M. Garcia immediately checked on the condition of field personnel, offices, and equipment of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Garcia said no personnel were injured and that the agency’s offices remained safe with only minor incidents reported.

“Pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng lindol ay nag-follow up kaagad tayo sa mga tauhan sa field, lalo na ’yung kalagayan nila, at siyempre ’yung ating opisina at mga kagamitan. So far, wala naman tayong nasaktan na mga tauhan,” Garcia said.

He added, “’Yung mga opisina naman po namin, wala rin pong damage, maliban lang sa mga pagtaob ng mga cabinet. Aside from that, wala po. Wala pong nawalang mga dokumento. Intact ang lahat.”

The COMELEC chief emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of personnel and maintaining the continuity of the agency’s operations after the earthquake.

COMELEC Chair George Erwin M. Garcia: Barzaga Can Still Run; Expulsion Not a Lifetime Ban From Public Office

Following the removal of former Congressman Kiko Barzaga as representative of the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite, George Erwin Mojica Garcia clarified that his expulsion from the House of Representatives does not automatically prevent him from seeking public office again.

Garcia explained that under existing laws and jurisprudence, expulsion from Congress is administrative in nature and does not constitute a perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

“Yes, pwede siyang mag-file ng Certificate of Candidacy, sapagkat ang kanyang pagkakatanggal sa pagiging Kongresista ay hindi po perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said.

The COMELEC chief noted that any challenge to Barzaga’s possible candidacy may still be raised before the proper courts, including the Supreme Court, once the election guidelines are issued.

“Kung sakali po na ‘yung aking naging statement na makakatakbo siya ay merong gustong mag-question later, especially kapag nilabas na namin ‘yung guidelines, ‘yan naman po ay pwedeng itaas sa Korte Suprema,” Garcia added.

Garcia also announced that the COMELEC is preparing for a possible special election in Dasmariñas, Cavite following the vacancy in the House of Representatives. The poll body is initially estimating around P200 million in expenses for the conduct of the election, considering the district’s 437,730 registered voters.

Under the Constitution, a special election must be held not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days after the vacancy occurs. Garcia said the COMELEC En Banc is considering possible dates, including August 22 or August 29, 2026.

“Tayo po ay binigyan ng ating Saligang Batas na magsagawa ng special election ng hindi po maaga ng animnapung (60) araw at hindi po lalagpas ng siyamnapung (90) araw matapos ang pagkakaroon ng bakante,” Garcia said.

With transparency and adherence to the law as the COMELEC’s priority, Garcia emphasized that the commission will ensure that the electoral process remains guided by constitutional rules and established legal principles.