Work and Play your way!
The Island of Siargao, known as the surf capital of the Philippines, is one of today’s top tourist destinations. The recent pandemic created a new type of professional combining work while traveling, the Digital Nomad (DiNo). Thus giving birth to a global workforce of around 36 million creative and IT professionals such as Digital Artists, Content Creators, Digital Marketers, Game Developers, Animators, Designers, App and Web Developers, and other internet enabled professionals.
What is Barefoot IT?
Barefoot IT: Siargao’s First Philippine Digital Nomad Summit and Arts Festival is organized by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), together with DICT and will promote global employment by championing the Digital Nomad (DiNo) culture through encouraging local and international IT professionals to come to Siargao for work and play.
The IT community involved are the professionals in Digital and Creative industries such as IT Development, Consulting and Support, Game development, Graphic Arts, Animation, Digital Media, Digital Marketing, and other internet enabled industries to encourage, stimulate and promote Siargao as a Digital Nomad Destination that that will bring jobs to the countryside while boosting tourism and local economy.
Who are the people behind Barefoot IT?
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is committed to providing Filipinos with access to vital ICT infrastructure and services. With a focus on promoting sustainable growth in Philippine ICT-enabled industries, the DICT is working towards creating more job opportunities and driving economic development.
The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) is a leading trade organization for the Philippine game development industry. Established in 2007, GDAP aims to promote and advance the interests of its members who create and publish engaging and entertaining games for a variety of platforms.
SIKAP is a non-profit organization that aims to help creative individuals, studios, and institutions create, develop, and incubate their original content. They provide consultation and support to the community to prepare their content for selling and promoting in the global market. By empowering creators with the tools and training they need, SIKAP helps to unlock the full potential of the Philippine Creative Economy industries.
Abakada studios is a group of creative and innovation experts who share their vision, knowledge, and know-how to create strategies and content that focuses on Educational Technology and Corporate Solutions that utilize human-centered design principles to turn ideas into simple, fun, and meaningful experiences. They solve problems creatively.
Congressman Francisco “Bingo” Matugas is the 1st District Representative of Surigao Del Norte. He has championed the plight of Digital Nomads by authoring the Digital Nomad Bill that was submitted to Congress last May 2023.
We are proud to have this event as a joint effort with the municipalities of Siargao, Surigao del Norte, namely: Del Carmen and General Luna. These municipalities boast some of the finest tourist attractions in the country. Together with these LGUs, we are working to showcase the beauty of Siargao and make it a top-destination for digital nomads.
Programs
Del Carmen – 8AM to 4PM
- Opening Remarks: Mayor Alredo Coro Jr., Del Carmen Siargao
- Keynote Message: Sec. Ivan Uy, DICT
- Special Message: Usec. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, DICT
- Special Message: Mindanao Updates and Agenda on Digital Innovation for Mindanao, Sec. Maria Belen Acosta, CESE
- Special Message: The Digital Nomad Bill, Cong. Bingo Matugas
- Plenary: The Philippine DiNo Journey from a FiliDiNo, Orly Darnayla, Baybayin Hub
- Plenary: A Digital Nomad’s 6 Year Journey as a Global Digipreneur, Timea Pintey, Digital Marketing Star
- Panel Discussion: Stories of the DiNos. Why Siargao?
- Plenary: Siargao Valley: An Innovation and Creative Island Destination, Chris Peralta, Silicon Valley HQ
- Plenary: DICT, IIDB, DC + Plans for Siargao, Emmy Delfin, DICT-IIDB
- Panel Discussion: Government Support to the IT, Digital Creatives, and Gig Economy
- Plenary Speakers: The Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity in Siargao
- Panel Discussion: Supporting the DiNo Community
- Closing Remarks: Lei Bautista, Abakada Studios
General Luna – 8AM to 4PM
- Welcome Message: The Role of the Creative Industry in the Gig Economy and providing jobs for the Digital Nomad, James Lo, GDAP
- Plenary: Attracting and Sustaining a digital nomad economy from an ASEAN perspective, Carlo Chen-Delantar, Gobi Partners
- Plenary: How She Traveled to 189 Countries using a Philippines Passport while building my Global Consulting company- Practical Tips on How You Can Get Started, Kach Umandap, Two Monkey Travel
- Panel Discussion: DiNo Careers Thriving in the Gig Economy
- Plenary: The Future of Remote Work in Game Development / Creative Industries, Jester Tesoro, Razer Gold @ Razer Inc.
- Panel Discussion: Present and Future of the CREATIVE INDUSTRY in a Remote Setting
- Plenary: Sustainability in Siargao, Bea Vida, Lokal Lab
- Plenary: Gig Economy, Social Innovation, and Nomad Tourism, Paul Hui Lagura, Philippine Digital Travel and Tourism Network
- 60-Second Community Pitches
- Plenary: Balancing Work and Life, Reaching Goals, and Making Real Connections: What We’ve Learned at Callbox Siargao
- Panel Discussion: Thriving Business in an Island Setting
- Panel Discussion: Digital Co Working Spaces in Siargao
- Panel Discussion: DiNo Careers
- Launching of SURF IT
- Closing Remarks: Dir. Sittie Alawi, DICT Region 13
Breakout Sessions
WOMADS – “WOMEN NOMADS”
- Talk: How to maximize Work-Life Balance in Siargao
- Talk: Benefits of a Digital Nomad Lifestyle
- Talk: Sustainability and Green Initiatives in Siargao
WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
- Yoga Classes, Clay Pot Workshop, Workout, Crossfit
TOURS and RECREATION Activities
- Land Tours, Island Hopping, Diving, Tattoo Art, Surf Lessons
DIGITAL NOMAD WORKSHOPS
- Video Editing and Content Management, How to break into the Virtual Assistant Industry, Digital Marketing
*may incur separate fees
Partners
ORGANIZED BY
with Participation of Siargao Municipalities
Thanks to our sponsors
Thanks to our Partners
telecommunications
resorts, hostels, and restaurants
associations
STOA
NICP