ICT Davao pushes to grow city's digital industry beyond BPO

Davao City's information and communications technology (ICT) sector wants to grow beyond business process outsourcing (BPO) and take on higher-value digital work, including digital product manufacturing, according to Edge Davao.

Lawyer Samuel R. Matunog, chairman of ICT Davao Inc., told a media forum that the industry is following a roadmap to turn Davao "from principally an outsourcing destination" into "a hub for digital resiliency and manufacturing of digital products." He said the goal is to move past basic digital connectivity and build the capabilities needed for innovation, technology development and new business opportunities.

The plan will be one of the main topics at Digital Frontiers 2026, a regional technology conference set for December 10, 2026. ICT Davao, the ICT industry association in Southern Mindanao, is organising the event with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and other groups. Its theme is "From Connectivity to Capability: Powering Mindanao's Digital Future."

According to Matunog, the conference will bring together government leaders, industry players, the academe and innovators. Participants are expected to discuss strategies, show emerging technologies and form partnerships aimed at making Mindanao more competitive in the global market.

The group said BPO will remain an important part of Davao City's economy. The new direction is meant to diversify the sector through digital product development, technological innovation and manufacturing. The push comes as the region tries to make better use of its digital infrastructure by developing its workforce, business environment and technical capabilities.

ICT Davao said building capabilities beyond connectivity is central to making Mindanao a competitive player in the global digital economy and to strengthening Davao City's potential as a centre for digital innovation and product development.