Philippine Roundtable in New York Explores ICT, Education, and Economic Growth

Posted: October 23, 2025
In photo (left to right): Gino Cabigao of Kulture Ko, Krispin Wherli of Penbrothers, Inc., Dave Llavanes of GMA 7, Marivir Montebon of GMA 7, FilCom Leader Roger Alama, Michael Tiu Lim of NICP, PTIC-NY Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso, Former Ambassador Mario de Leon, Judy Arteche-Carr of SIM NY Metro, Entrepreneur Noel Lim, Frank Wadsworth of Hatfield Advisory, and Richard de Lima of Leaf Capital Partners
In photo (left to right): Gino Cabigao of Kulture Ko, Krispin Wherli of Penbrothers, Inc., Dave Llavanes of GMA 7, Marivir Montebon of GMA 7, FilCom Leader Roger Alama, Michael Tiu Lim of NICP, PTIC-NY Trade Commissioner Alma Argayoso, Former Ambassador Mario de Leon, Judy Arteche-Carr of SIM NY Metro, Entrepreneur Noel Lim, Frank Wadsworth of Hatfield Advisory, and Richard de Lima of Leaf Capital Partners

New York City, USA — The Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center–New York (PTIC-NY), in partnership with STEMEd Philippines, Inc., and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) led by Mr. Michael Tiu Lim, successfully hosted an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Roundtable at the Philippine Center in New York on 08 October 2025.

The roundtable featured a diverse group of business and ICT professionals who exchanged ideas on cultural alignment, bridging education and industry, and leveraging technology for economic development. Discussions emphasized the importance of aligning STEM and ICT programs with current market needs; strategies to expand ICT and BPO operations beyond major cities; using fintech and satellite technologies to improve rural connectivity; and leveraging digital and financial tools to boost agricultural productivity.

Participants also underscored the need to strengthen the Philippine startup ecosystem, support rural economic development, and prepare the workforce for AI-driven shifts in the global labor market—particularly within the country’s dynamic BPO sector.

As the national organization of ICT councils across the Philippines, NICP promotes local ICT growth by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthening the talent pool, improving the business ecosystem, and advocating policies that support digital inclusion and a thriving digital economy. Through initiatives such as establishing international ICT councils in major global cities, including New York, NICP aims to connect Filipino ICT initiatives with international markets and opportunities.

PTIC-New York Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso (center) with Former Ambassador Mario de Leon (second to the left), joins official representatives from NICP, Filipino community, and partners in New York.
PTIC-New York Trade Commissioner Alma F. Argayoso (center) with Former Ambassador Mario de Leon (second to the left), joins official representatives from NICP, Filipino community, and partners in New York.
Participants seated around a conference table during the ICT Roundtable hosted by PTIC-NY at the Philippine Center in New York, discussing STEM education, ICT expansion, and digital inclusion.
Participants seated around a conference table during the ICT Roundtable hosted by PTIC-NY at the Philippine Center in New York, discussing STEM education, ICT expansion, and digital inclusion.
Business and ICT professionals engaged in a roundtable discussion at the Philippine Center in New York, highlighting strategies for rural connectivity, startup support, and AI workforce readiness.
Business and ICT professionals engaged in a roundtable discussion at the Philippine Center in New York, highlighting strategies for rural connectivity, startup support, and AI workforce readiness.

Ambassador Mario de Leon (Ret.), Chief Strategy Officer of STEMEd Philippines, highlighted the organization’s mission of empowering the next generation through education and connectivity. “STEMEd doesn’t only provide connectivity in underserved areas—it opens pathways to the future,” he said. “By engaging marginalized students, it aims to inspire young minds to pursue STEM careers and build a strong national talent pool of innovators who will drive sustainable development.”

Meanwhile, Engr. Roger Alama, Chief Operations Officer of STEMEd Philippines underscored the vital role of STEM education in shaping the country’s technological future. “STEM education is the foundation of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Innovation,” he explained. “It equips young minds with the knowledge to pursue future careers and apply advanced STEM learning to develop tools and technologies that will serve society and future generations.”

PTIC-NY continues to champion DTI’s mission by working with partners to drive inclusive innovation—boosting STEM and ICT alignment with the emerging market, expanding tech hubs, and empowering communities through digital solutions. ♦

Date of Release: 10 October 2025