Sampaloc: RP’s new cyber capital?

Which city or district will emerge as the country‘s cyber capital.

One businessman running for office is convinced Sampaloc will soon earn the distinction.

Manuel "Nonong" Bagatsing said he envisions for the fourth district in Manila if he gets elected as congressman.

"We have the capability and capacity to do it," said Bagatsing, who owns the Makati City-based Channel Technologies Inc. (CTI) with branches nationwide, the United States and various countries in Asia and the Middle East.

To start with, Bagatsing plans to establish the website sampaloc.com, which would offer known Sampaloc products and varied businesses in the district.

With sampaloc.com, residents can promote their goods and businesses such as the famous flowers in Dangwa.

Residents can also promote their expertise in piano tuning, and frame-making, among others.

"The website would surely help promote Sampaloc products not only here but also worldwide," Bagatsing said.

The fourth district has jurisdiction of the whole Sampaloc and a portion of Sta. Mesa. Universities including the country’s oldest, the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) as well as the University of the East (UE), University of Manila (UM) and Far Eastern University (FEU) are all located in the Sampaloc district.

Know-how in computers and its programs are vital components in students’ studies.

Bagatsing, who holds a Masters degree in Management from the Asian Institute of Management, said the website can also accommodate resumés of residents seeking jobs.

Bagatsing’s CTI has dislodged a number of known computer firms in the fields of repair and supply of existing computer facilities or re-engineered equipment.

On entrepreneurship, Bagatsing said he will initiate the development of micro-economic industries like cooperatives in the district’s 192 barangays to take charge in the bulk purchases of commodities, such as rice and sugar and retail them at low prices.

He explained that the set-up would provide extra income for cooperative members and provide employment for others.

Bagatsing assured business friends here and abroad are willing to extend loans to local residents at low interest rates without collateral for them to gain self-employment.

Bagatsing, son of former Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing and brother of former congressmen Dondon Bagatsing and Amado Bagatsing, enjoys the support of political groups.

He is running against incumbent Rep. Rudy Bacani, who is seeking another term in the House of Representatives.

He said the Bagatsings have proven their best in public service and have not been linked to a single accusation of corruption. The family is conscious in keeping the good image, he added.

If elected, Nonong promises to closely coordinate with the city residents for him to be able to efficiently and effectively represent them in Congress.