KORONADAL CITY — The official press conference for the 10th Mindanao ICT Conference (MindaCon 2025) concluded last week at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center, marking a pivotal moment in the countdown to Mindanao’s biggest digital gathering.

In his opening message, Clint Junsay, Host City Organizing Committee Lead and Co-Chair of the South Cotabato ICT Council, emphasized the event’s unique identity. “MindaCon is more than just a conference—it’s a movement,” Junsay declared. “It’s a celebration and a commitment to build a digital future that is rooted in culture, powered by innovation, and made possible by collaboration.”

Set to take place from June 19–21, 2025, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, MindaCon 2025 will be the first time the City of Koronadal hosts this flagship event. This year’s theme, “Innovating Mindanao’s Workforce for a Sustainable Industry 5.0,” sets the stage for an inclusive and people-centered approach to digital transformation.

Provincial and national leaders echoed their support. Tyron Jann B. Villanueva, representing the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, underscored the strategic role of MindaCon in fostering job creation and talent development across the province. “South Cotabato stands ready to be a key player in the Mindanao ICT ecosystem,” he affirmed.

DOST Region XII, through Provincial Director Giselle Eve G. Ortega-Siladan, highlighted its commitment to empower communities through innovation and technology-driven development. “Science and technology must empower—not isolate,” she stressed, aligning DOST’s initiatives with MindaCon’s vision of an inclusive Industry 5.0 landscape.

DICT Region XII Regional Director Engr. Ibrahim B. Guiapar Jr. reinforced the government’s role as both enabler and innovator, with initiatives like expanded connectivity, cybersecurity training, and digital literacy campaigns designed to bridge the digital divide across SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM.

Christian Valeen Chiu, Co-Chair of the Koronadal ICT Council, expressed the city’s pride and readiness to host the historic conference. “Koronadal is more than ready,” Chiu affirmed. “We are ready with our people, our partnerships, and our purpose to champion innovation that is inclusive, rooted in our culture, and future-facing”.

Vice Mayor Erlinda Pabi-Araquil of the City of Koronadal also voiced the city’s unwavering support. “On behalf of the City Government headed by Mayor Ogena, we are proud to affirm our full legislative and institutional commitment to the success of the 10th MindaCon,” she stated. “This landmark event underscores our vision to position our city as a hub of innovation, digital advancement, inclusive growth, and responsible stewardship of superior technology. The City Council, headed by yours truly, has unanimously endorsed legislative measures such as resolutions and ordinances which prioritize funding, logistical coordination, and interagency collaboration to ensure the seamless execution of the upcoming conference.”

MindaCon 2025 will feature a comprehensive program including investment tours, thought leadership panels, skills-building workshops, and strategic networking sessions MINDACON 2025 Overview. Registration is ongoing via https://nicp.org.ph/mindacon-2025-koronadal/

As Mindanao’s digital community gears up for this landmark event, the press conference served as a powerful call to action: to shape the region’s future with technology, talent, and togetherness.