Siargao Digital Nomad Summit Wraps Up

More business and tourism opportunities are expected to emerge as the three-day 1st Philippine Digital Nomad Summit in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, concluded on Saturday.

The first-ever gathering of Filipino and foreign digital nomads (DiNos) aimed to raise awareness about their lifestyles through learning sessions and panel discussions.

The first-ever gathering of Filipino and foreign digital nomads (DiNos) aimed to raise awareness about their lifestyles through learning sessions and panel discussions, according to Maria Belen Acosta, Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority, who attended the opening ceremony.

Acosta stated that the event will officially put Siargao on the map as a destination for innovation and creativity.

She described DiNos as the "new breed of storytellers who will convey to the world that Mindanao is peaceful, beautiful, bountiful, and open to more investments."

Acosta also noted that the summit serves as a means to advance digitalization and innovation initiatives for Mindanao, which is one of the priorities identified in the Mindanao Peace and Development Agenda 2023-2028.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II emphasized that the event illustrates the power of the digital age, where geography is no longer a barrier to collaboration and exploration.

In May of this year, Matugas filed House Bill 8165, known as the Digital Nomad Visa Bill, which has been referred to the House Committee on Justice.

Matugas explained, "The Digital Nomad Visa Bill is a visionary step towards embracing the future of work. In a rapidly changing world, where remote work has become the new norm, we recognize the need to provide opportunities and support for those who choose to live a location-independent lifestyle."

The key features of the bill include simplified and expedited visa accessibility for DiNos to live and work in the Philippines, work opportunities recognizing DiNos not only as tourists but as skilled professionals, and community building to create a thriving DiNo community.

Matugas added, "The bill is seen as a catalyst for economic growth. By attracting digital nomads, we can boost our local economies. They spend on accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities, contributing significantly to our communities."

Furthermore, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, who also attended the event, emphasized that technology can break the barriers of traditional work.

"I am confident that with our joint efforts and further collaboration, we can create an ecosystem that will encourage more DiNos to call the Philippines, starting with Siargao, their second home," Uy said.

The DICT organized the activity in partnership with the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Abakada Studios, and the towns of Del Carmen and General Luna in Siargao.

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