DICT Caraga, UN-Habitat empower Sama Bajau community through digital literacy
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga completed its second batch training on Basic Digital Literacy with Cyber Hygiene Awareness at the DICT Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center in Surigao City.
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga completed its second batch training on Basic Digital Literacy with Cyber Hygiene Awareness at the DICT Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center in Surigao City.
Held September 2–4, the training was attended by Sama Bajau community members from Sitio Panubigon, who learned foundational digital skills and online navigation to boost their confidence in using digital tools and services daily.
Organised in partnership with the United Nations (UN)-Habitat, the training also focused on bridging the local digital divide, highlighting basic computer and online services for daily use, and providing hands-on instruction on everyday software tools, personal cybersecurity practices, and real-world technology applications.
One participant, Norjenna, expressed gratitude for the basic computer and digital literacy training. She said learning how to operate a computer, navigate the internet, and access digital services opens up a whole new world for their youth and elders alike.
“For a long time, technology felt out of reach, but your team made it approachable and empowering. These new digital skills will not only help us with education, livelihoods, and accessing government services, but they will also allow us to share our rich culture, heritage, and stories with the wider world.” Norjenna said.
This ongoing collaboration between DICT Caraga and UN-Habitat reinforces a joint commitment to digital inclusion—ensuring marginalised sectors gain the foundational skills needed to participate safely and meaningfully in today’s digital economy.
Meanwhile, the Sama Bajau community now enjoys improved living standards through housing provided by UN-Habitat, the city government of Surigao, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) under the project at “Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao,” or home for the Bajau in Surigao.
Through the Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao project, the Sama Bajau community has gained access to safe, culturally sensitive housing and a more stable quality of life.
Jointly led by UN-Habitat, the city government unit of Surigao, and DHSUD, with funding support from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the initiative provided resilient stilt homes and essential community spaces in Barangay Lipata.
By incorporating blue-green architecture, circular economy principles, and local participation, the project offers sustainable shelter while preserving the tribe’s sea-based cultural identity. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DICT Caraga)
