Beyond the hype: Bicol ripe for Blockchain adoption and innovation

As the echoes of the Bicol Blockchain Conference 2023 (BBC 2023) still resonate, it’s evident that this transformative event has propelled the Bicol region into the spotlight of blockchain adoption and innovation. BBC 2023, held on November 17, 2023, at Bicol University College of Engineering Gymnasium, exceeded expectations by bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and blockchain enthusiasts from diverse sectors.

Relive the moments during the Bicol Blockchain Conference 2023.

About 223 participants attended this conference with the theme “Empowering Industry Innovation Through Blockchain.” From the very outset, BBC 2023 set an ambitious stage. The event aimed to position Bicol as a global epicenter for blockchain technology, and it delivered on this promise. Attendees were immersed in a dynamic environment where discussions ranged from the basics of blockchain to the practical applications reshaping industries.

The Bicol Blockchain Conference 2023 commenced with an immersive Blockchain City Fair opening, where the exhibition area buzzed with innovation and anticipation. The successful fair had 1,093 blockchain transactions throughout the event. Legazpi City Vice Mayor Bobby Cristobal set the tone with a compelling opening message, highlighting the event’s significance for the region.

Messages of support echoed through the venue, given by Ms. Emmy Lou Delfin, the ICT Industry Development Bureau Director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Ms. Fatima Gonzales of the Department of Trade and Industry-Albay, and Ms. Rosemarie Quinto-Rey, a prominent leader in the Albay ICT Association, Legazpi City IT & Electronic Commerce Council, Albay Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Southern Luzon Technological Foundation Inc.

The stage was then graced by Ms. Melissa Mesias, Vice-President of Albay ICT Association, CEO of SparkLearn, and the Conference Director of BBC 2023. In her overview, she encapsulated the essence of the conference, emphasizing its mission to position Bicol as a global epicenter for blockchain technology.

A keynote address was also delivered by Prof. Lany Laguna-Maceda, Associate Professor IV/RDMD Director of Bicol University. Prof. Maria Crestia C. Bañares, TBI Manager at SILI DELI and Project Leader of HEIRIT ReSEED, followed with an insightful discussion on the academia’s pivotal role in fostering innovation.

A compelling Tech Talk unfolded as Prof. Lany Laguna-Maceda led a session on leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) for inclusive digital participation. This talk was succeeded by Kristian Quirapas, Founder & CEO of Vulcanic Labs and Co-Founder of Web3 Philippines, shedding light on “How Blockchain is Changing the World.”

“Understanding the Basics of ICP and Beyond” took center stage with Mr. Nelson Lumbres, Co-Founder of ICP.Hub Philippines, and Eliezer Rabadon, CEO of DvCode Technologies and Technical Lead of ICP.Hub Philippines.

A representative of Hon. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda, Congressional Representative of the 2nd District of Albay delivered a keynote address on harnessing blockchain for efficient record-keeping in the Philippines.

A panel discussion also unfolded, driving home the importance of a strong developer community for blockchain’s mass adoption. Kristian Quirapas, Harvey Javier, the OIC CEO of SparkPoint, and Eliezer Rabadon joined this panel. Mat Ivan Arquero, the Technical Director of SparkSwap, moderated this discussion.

The introduction to Coins.ph by Vish Sadhwani, insights into the XDC Network by Rebecah Dausen, and an exploration of CoinEx by Dell Omasas provided a deeper understanding of blockchain ecosystems.

Stats, trends, and market maneuvers were unraveled by Ms. Jean Yngson, COO/BOD of Bitshares Labs Inc. Ismael Jerusalem, founder and CEO of Ownly, and Mike Reñevo, lead game developer of MetaSaga Warriors, delved into the exciting realm of on-chain or blockchain gaming.

The second panel session came, discussing the role of credible Web3 communities in shaping the digital frontier. Mr. Kyle Naron, Operations of Hansa Accelerator, moderated this discussion with Ms. Melissa Mesias, Ms. Mika Rome, the Marketing Director of Honu Solutions, and Ms. Maria Kristine Joy Ibanez, Founder of SiliCode.

The program concluded with Ms. Rachelle Perez, Vice President for Growth of DEVCON Philippines, sharing insights on how their organization empowers the developer community, followed by the official launch of DEVCON Legazpi and the induction of its chapter officers.

As the curtains fell, Engr. Amelia S. Dean, the Region V Director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), delivered closing remarks, encapsulating the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and limitless possibilities that BBC 2023 brought to the forefront.

Collaboration of government and private organizations

BBC 2023 was a collaborative endeavor organized and presented by SparkLearn EdTech with ICP.Hub Philippines, Vulcanic Labs, HONU, Bicol University, Coins.ph, and XDC Network as co-presenters. This conference is also supported by the City Government of Legazpi, the Provincial Government of Albay, DTI, and DICT.

The unwavering support and shared commitment of the following organizations to blockchain innovation were instrumental in creating an atmosphere ripe for exploration and discovery: DvCode Technologies Inc., SILI DELI, Bitshares Labs Inc., MetaSaga Warriors, Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc., SparkPoint Technologies Inc., CoinEx, OWNLY, DCTV, Manila Bulletin, BitPinas, Trilz, Web3 Philippines® Developers, The Cryptology Academy, DEVCON Philippines, Filipino Web3 Community Builders, SiliCode, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Albay ICT Association, Inc.

What’s next?

The excitement doesn’t end with the closing remarks. In fact, it marks the commencement of additional engagements that extend the learning and collaborative spirit fostered during the conference. For those hungry for more insights into blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, a series of post-activities awaits.

Coins.ph, a key contributor to the success of BBC 2023, is co-hosting a seminar and webinar designed to deepen understanding and foster dialogue. Participants can expect interactive discussions, live demonstrations, and Q&A sessions to enhance their learning experience.

BBC 2023 isn’t just about theoretical discussions but also about real-world applications. To bring this ethos to life, these post-activities include an exhilarating trading competition and affiliate program. Participants can engage in a simulated trading environment, applying their newfound knowledge to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency trading. This competitive yet collaborative initiative aims to enhance practical skills while fostering a sense of friendly competition within the blockchain community.

The journey of blockchain exploration continues, and the Bicol region remains at the forefront of this transformative technology. Stay tuned for these exciting post-activities that promise to keep the momentum alive and the blockchain conversation thriving.