Dumaguete: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Negros Oriental province has expanded significantly, growing from a single company with 45 employees in 2004 to over 15,000 workers across more than 30 companies in 2024. This rapid growth highlights the burgeoning opportunities within the industry amidst increasing demand. According to Philippines News Agency, Suzanne Lu-Bascara, president of the ICT Association of Dumaguete and Negros Oriental, described the industry's potential as highly promising. She attributed this growth to Dumaguete City's status as a 'university town' and its cost-effective lifestyle compared to larger, more densely populated areas. Many students secure positions with business process outsourcing (BPO) companies soon after graduation, and even non-graduates find employment within the ICT sector. Additionally, professionals from other regions are relocating to Dumaguete, drawn by its peaceful environment and affordable cost of living. Bascara noted that the I CT industry in Negros Oriental is poised for continued expansion, with the potential to rival major urban centers that currently dominate the ICT sector. The current workforce figures exclude freelancers and those directly engaged with international clients. Furthermore, boarding houses have become increasingly popular due to the influx of ICT workers, and advances in digital technology have enabled remote work, as evidenced by an ICT firm in Mindanao employing 35 individuals based in Dumaguete. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is concentrating on talent development in regional areas to provide equal or superior employment opportunities in the ICT sector. DICT Undersecretary Jocelyn Batapa-Sigue highlighted at the Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions (RISE 7.2) Central Visayas that the agency's focus is on strengthening regional competitiveness. She emphasized Dumaguete City's potential to emerge as a 'strong contender' in the 'next wave city' category, following p rominent locations such as Clark in Pampanga province, Metro Manila, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Bacolod City.