COTABATO CITY—Fifteen technology exhibitors showcased innovative digital solutions and emerging technologies during the 5th Bangsamoro ICT Month Summit and Expo 2026, reinforcing the Bangsamoro Government’s push to accelerate digital transformation through stronger collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders.
The two-day summit, spearheaded by the Bangsamoro Information and Communications Technology Office (BICTO) on June 24–25, gathered representatives from Bangsamoro ministries, offices and agencies (BMOAs), local government units, national government agencies, academic institutions, development partners, telecommunications companies, ICT industry leaders, and the private sector.
BICTO Executive Director Jonathan Mantikayan underscored the transformative role of information and communication technology in governance, economic development, education, innovation, and public service delivery.
“This year’s summit serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration among government agencies, local government units, private sector partners, academic institutions, development organizations, and technology experts,” he said.
“Through meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and technology showcases, we aim to explore innovative solutions that can help accelerate the region’s digital transformation journey,” he added.
Among the exhibitors was Manstronix, an electronics hands-on learning hub that showcased its products and services during the expo. Its co-founder, Mansur Panalangin, thanked the Bangsamoro Government and BICTO for providing local innovators with a platform to reach a wider audience.
“We thank the Bangsamoro Government and BICTO for inviting us to showcase our products and services. This is a great opportunity for participants like us, as it helps increase awareness of the services we offer,” Panalangin said.
Complementing the technology exhibition, the Bangsamoro Government, telecommunications providers, and ICT stakeholders signed a Manifesto of Commitment reaffirming their shared pledge to strengthen digital connectivity, expand ICT infrastructure, and advance inclusive digital transformation.
The summit also featured discussions on enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure, e-governance, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, supporting the Bangsamoro Government’s continuing efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and digitally connected region.
As part of the event, students from six higher education institutions across BARMM competed in the 4th ICT Quiz Bee, demonstrating their ICT knowledge and analytical skills. STI College Cotabato emerged as champion, followed by Notre Dame University and Cotabato State University.
Held under the theme, “Resilient. Connected. Digital: Building a Resilient and Inclusive Digital Region,” the summit served as a venue for dialogue, knowledge sharing, technology exhibitions, and partnership-building to advance digital transformation.
The summit concluded with the Bangsamoro Digital Governance and Innovation Awards 2026, recognizing BMOAs for exemplary initiatives in digital governance and ICT-enabled public service. (Norhaifa Dipatuan/BIO)
