ICP.Hub Philippines in DAVAO Sparks Blockchain ThinkHackathon with IC Meetup BUIDL Camp
ICP.Hub Philippines in Davao joined forces to bring the revolutionary IC Meetup BUIDL Camp. This groundbreaking event, hosted by the official Internet Computer Protocol Hub in the Philippines, unfolded at the Bajada Suites on J.P. Laurel Avenue on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 08:00 to 10:00 PM.
The IC Meetup BUIDL Camp marked a significant milestone in the world of blockchain technology, as it introduced the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) to developers, enthusiasts, and innovators in Mindanao. Spearheaded by co-founder Nelson Lumbres and featuring notable personalities like Juliane (Modern Mulan) and Eliezer Rabadon of DVCode Technologies Incorporated, the event drew attention not only for its distinguished speakers but also for its immersive experiences.
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Romeo L. Castañaga, Assistant Regional Director of DTI 11, followed by opening remarks from Ruben Lacumba, founder of Davao DeFi Community, and an introduction by Mr. Nelson Lumbres. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as TEDx speaker Fafa Ferds took the stage to provide an insightful journey through the history and basics of blockchain technology.
The event gained momentum with an inspirational talk by Francis Albores, CEO of Alreno IT Solutions, who also unveiled the RYORI App — a groundbreaking mobile system designed for restaurants and coffee shops. Albores’ talk not only motivated the attendees but also showcased practical applications of blockchain technology in everyday life.
The educational journey continued with a Web3 onboarding session led by Jurris Leuwe Tolosa, a co-founder of Davao DeFi Community. Meanwhile, Mr. Jaymar Somosot, VP for Technology of DEVCON Philippines, shared updates from the developer community, highlighting the latest industry developments.
The afternoon session witnessed a diverse range of activities, including an NFT onboarding session organized by Qitmeer/DimAi Brand Ambassador Liezel P. Baliguat. UP Mindanao Representative Cinmayila A. Garillos-Manliquez, Ph.D., brought an academic perspective to the event, emphasizing the importance of blockchain in education.
Panel discussions featuring industry experts provided valuable insights into cryptocurrency trends, Web3, NFTs, and DeFi. Speakers like Francis Albores, Ferdie James Nervida, Mark Manansala, Juliane Indiongco, Vince Jebryl Montero, Dioman Madulara, Kenneth James Berey, and Liam James Mendoza engaged in lively discussions moderated by a distinguished representative from Ateneo de Davao University.
One of the highlights of the event was the launch of the IC Hackathon, where developers had the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. The challenge included presenting a working landing page, deck, and application onboarded in their canister at the ICP Ecosystem. The intense competition fostered collaboration and innovation among participants.
Moreover, the collaboration between DICE (Davao Interschool Computer Enthusiasts) and DEVCON added another layer of significance to the event. This collaboration strengthened the ties between academic institutions and industry players, fostering a holistic approach to blockchain education and development.
In a move towards community empowerment, ICP representatives Mr. Nelson Lumbres and Eli Rabadon discussed the guidelines for the 2023 IC BUIDL Camp Batch 2. This initiative aimed to empower student developers, encouraging them to contribute to the innovation and growth of the blockchain ecosystem.
The IC Meetup/BUIDL Camp received overwhelming support from various organizations, including the Davao DeFi Community, PDAX, Bitskwela, NFT Davao, DEVCON Davao, and QIT MEER by DIM AI. The collaboration with prominent universities such as Ateneo De Davao University, University of Mindanao, Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and University of Southeastern Philippines demonstrated the widespread interest and engagement of educational institutions in blockchain technology.
The event served as a catalyst for bringing together blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and industry leaders, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. As the IC Meetup BUIDL Camp concluded in Davao City, it left an indelible mark on the local blockchain community, paving the way for future advancements and collaborations in the exciting world of decentralized technologies.
