LoRaWAN® took center stage in Munich, Germany last June 17-20, offering an immersive agenda that included technical sessions, a vibrant marketplace of products and solutions, and engaging keynote presentations from industry VIPs.
The event featured live demonstrations showcasing a range of use cases and market applications, alongside ample opportunities for networking and business meetings. It attracted a diverse audience, bringing together global LoRaWAN® leaders, newcomers, innovators, decision-makers, developers, engineers, system integrators, network providers, device manufacturers, end users, enterprises, and media.
Spotlight on Philippine Innovations
Packetworx, a trailblazer in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector in the Philippines, attended this prestigious event alongside Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue. Their mission was to explore opportunities for advancing IoT adoption in the Philippines.
During the LoRa Alliance Marketing Committee Meeting, Undersecretary Batapa-Sigue presented the Philippines’ Digitalization Roadmap. This strategic plan aims to transform the country’s digital landscape by bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable growth. Several groundbreaking initiatives were highlighted, including:
- Tech Trends: This initiative provides Filipinos with free, self-paced learning programs, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills for the rapidly evolving ICT industry.
- SETPH: The SET PH program explores emerging technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT, to cultivate an ecosystem that supports and sustains technological advancements.
- eGovernment Platforms: Enhancing digital services through improved eGovernment platforms is a priority, aiming to streamline and expand public sector digital interactions.
- Free Public Internet Access Program: To address internet accessibility challenges, the program aims to install 110,000 free Wi-Fi access points nationwide. As of April 2024, 12,717 sites have been established, significantly improving connectivity in underserved areas.
- Skills Training: The DICT offers targeted training programs to address the skills gap and bolster the nation’s ICT workforce.
- Emergency Telecommunications: The DICT leads in disaster response through the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster and the Mobile Operations Vehicles for Emergency (MOVE) Sets, which provide crucial communication support during emergencies.
Unveiling the IoT National Strategy
Undersecretary Batapa-Sigue also introduced the DICT’s new IoT National Strategy For Policy And Industry Roadmap And Ecosystem Development (INSPIRED). This policy roadmap aims to advance IoT in the Philippines, focusing on objectives such as workforce training, capacity building, and infrastructure development.
Appeal for Support
At the Munich event, Packetworx and the DICT appealed to the LoRa Alliance® for support in training, IoT certifications, capacity building, and funding to accelerate these initiatives. Usec. Jocelle’s presentation garnered significant support from LoRa Alliance members.
Upcoming IoT Conference 2024
The upcoming IoT Conference 2024, scheduled for October 29-30, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, will further this momentum. Six LoRa Alliance® Board member companies from the US, France, Germany, Sweden, and Taiwan have pledged their support for the event, which aims to shape IoT in the Philippines through three key roundtable discussions:
First Roundtable: Representatives from ASEAN countries will discuss cooperation in advancing IoT and LoRaWAN® technologies, frequency standardization, and a regional IoT framework.
Second Roundtable: Focused on collaboration between the LoRa Alliance® and Philippine government agencies, this session will explore policies, connectivity solutions, and strategies to ease IoT adoption in various sectors.
Third Roundtable: System integrators and LoRa Alliance® members will discuss effective deployment strategies for IoT solutions across private and industry sectors, addressing common concerns and supporting business growth through streamlined implementation.
A Step Forward for the Philippines’ IoT Agenda
The collaboration amongst Packetworx, DICT, and LoRa Alliance® marks a significant advancement for the Philippines’ IoT agenda. By fostering these partnerships, the country is poised to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation across its digital IoT landscape.
For more information or to schedule a demo, please contact us at Info@packetworx.com
