The City of San Fernando, La Union hosted the 9th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibitions or the CLICkConEx 2025, bringing together information, communication, and technology (ICT) enthusiasts and councils from across Luzon to discuss solutions for improving city problems through technology at the Agora Hall, Thunderbird Resort on April 3-4, 2025.

City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto welcomed the delegates of the 2-day conference. Meanwhile, Hon. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, First District Representative of La Union, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Ramon B. Torres, CESE, who expressed his support for the ICT field.

Moreover, Mr. Jessraf Palmares, President of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, delivered his opening message, underscoring the role of ICT in enhancing our services, including those in our daily lives.

A keynote message from Ms. Sherie Ng, Managing Director of Converge Singapore and Chief Commercial Advisor of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., was also shared with the delegation, highlighting the efficient role of artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

The event also featured a panel discussion on digital ecosystem programs with DICT Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Executive Director of SMARTCT-Philippines; Ms. Kris R. Villanueva-Libunao, Board of Trustees for the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism; Mr. Dominic Vincent Ligot, Data Scientist at Layertech Software Labs, Inc. Ms. Frei Sangil, and Founder of FullSuite Mr. Maggie Po, in which Mr. Jose Mari Mercado served as the moderator.

In the afternoon, Mr. Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., the Regional Director of DILG Region 1, spearheaded a discussion on the government system to be implemented at the barangay and municipalities.

This was followed by another panel discussion with e-Gov innovators and awardees from the City Government of San Fernando, La Union, represented by Engr. Germie O. Deang, CICTO Department Head, Baguio City, represented by Mr. Francis L. Camarao, IT Officer of City Government of Baguio, and Taytay, Rizal, represented by Mr. Marion D. De Leon, IT Officer of Taytay Municipal Government. The discussion was facilitated by Mr. Michael Tiu Lim, Board of Trustees of the NICP.

After the panel discussions, a press conference was facilitated by the City Public Information Office. Furthermore, the host city organized the People’s Night, an event to socialize with the ICT champions. This event featured the local talents of the host city and showcased the local abel couture through a fashion show.

Kakabsat, embracing technological change, evolves cities into becoming smarter and more accessible. Together, let us practice responsible use of innovations here in the #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.