FILIPINO DIASPORA IN SAN FRANCISCO ENGAGES IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DIALOGUE THROUGH FORUM ON KONEKTADONG PINOY ACT
Top left: Consul General Neil Ferrer delivers his welcome remarks. Top right: Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil introduces the speakers. Below Photos, From left: Director Maria Victoria C. Castro of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Ms. Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos of Better Internet PH, and Mr. Oliver Segovia of Philippine AI Retreat, during their presentations at the online forum held via Zoom. (San Francisco PCG photos)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco successfully hosted an online forum titled “A Connected Future: The Konektadong Pinoy Act and the Filipino Diaspora’s Digital Role” on 9 September 2025, convening policy experts, technology leaders, and members of the Filipino community to discuss the implications of the newly enacted Konektadong Pinoy Act, officially known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.
Held via Zoom, the forum is part of the Consulate’s ongoing economic diplomacy efforts aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue between the Philippine government and the global Filipino community.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer emphasized the importance of digital inclusion in nation-building and the key role of the diaspora in supporting the Philippines’ digital transformation journey.
“Tonight’s forum is more than just an information session. It is an invitation for you, our kababayans, to take part in shaping a digitally empowered Philippines,” Consul General Ferrer said. “The Filipino diaspora has long been a vital contributor to national growth—not only through remittances and investments, but also through innovation, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing. In this new digital age, your voices, experiences, and expertise are even more crucial,” he added.
The forum featured Director Maria Victoria C. Castro of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), who provided an in-depth overview of the Konektadong Pinoy Act’s main provisions. Director Castro highlighted the Act’s potential to expand digital infrastructure and bridge the connectivity gap across the Philippines.
Joining her was Ms. Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos, an independent tech policy researcher and lead advocate of Better Internet PH. Ms. Mirandilla-Santos shared the long journey of advocacy behind the passage of the legislation. She underscored how grassroots advocacy and policy engagement played a vital role in achieving this legislative milestone.
Mr. Oliver Segovia, technology entrepreneur and Convenor of the Philippine AI Retreat and US-PH Artificial Intelligence Summit, provided key insights during the reactor segment. Drawing on his extensive experience in the tech industry, Mr. Segovia contextualized the Act within broader global trends in digital policy, innovation, and inclusive technology development.
Participants from across the U.S. and the Philippines engaged in a lively open forum, where questions on implementation, overseas engagement, and cybersecurity were addressed by the speakers. END
Officials and staff of Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco headed by Consul General Neil Ferrer pose for a group photo after participating in the online forum. (San Francisco PCG photo)