Push for digital education gaining traction in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Bitskwela, an EduTech company led by Filipinos, brought its debate series to the centerstage of Cebu highlighting a series of topics related to Web3 technologies last Saturday.

Together with potential thought leaders, business people, and gamers, the Bitskwela kicked off the Bull or Bear: Philippine Web3 Debate 2023 event with its purpose of giving opportunities to Cebuanos with a theme, “Web3: The New Internet – A Debate on Web3 Adoption in the Philippines.”

“It is an opportunity on us to position our nation to be at the forefront of the digital revolution leading in innovation, inclusivity, and forward-seeking,” said Emy Delfin, Director of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Delfin added that DICT will provide support and diligently work to foster the Web3 environment that can strengthen innovation while protecting the interests of Filipinos.

“We are committed to ensuring that the digital transition to Web3 is inclusive, equitable and beneficial to all Filipinos,” said Delfin.

With the fast-paced change of technology, Delfin also reminded Filipinos to stay vigilant and proactive in adapting to the latest trends and to maintain their momentum.

Meanwhile, Cebu-based Co-Founder of Sphera Raine Laluna hopes to bring more Cebuanos to join the community they built as web3 in the country is widely spread, as she also shared her insights about the status quo of Blockchain companies here in Cebu.

“The community that we’ve built aims to gather all Cebuanos who want to get into Web3, to learn about blockchain, to spread awareness and build a community for this future internet,” said Laluna.

Blockchain leaders in Cebu are now planning to host more collaborative activities such as meetups, workshops and Hackathons.

During the BoB debate, esteemed creatives and entrepreneurs Dr. Donald Lim from the Philippine Blockchain Council, Coach Miranda Miner of the Global Miranda Miner Group, Tyrone Bretana from Tier One Alliance, Nathan Senn from Hive & DBuzz, content creator Giu Comia, and creativepreneur Ashtley Sandoval graced the event as they tackle and give their stance on Web3 adoption in the Philippines.

The debaters took turns in six statements or questions tackling the complexities of Web3 with their knowledge in assessing various viewpoints.

According to Bretana, bad actors such as scammers, frauds, and hackers really come into play in Web3 spaces. However, being vigilant is the key to ensure you are safe in adopting these technologies.

“Together we can be vigilant, it’s a battle against misinformation, a battle against the lack of education. Don’t be afraid of Web3, but be afraid of people who want to take advantage of and use Web3 for malicious intents,” he stressed in the debate.

As the debaters defend their stance, whether they are bullish or bearish, the audience also participated in this interactive debate as they casted their choice as well.

Meanwhile, the keynote speakers from different companies have also shared their vision and testaments to what Web3 is all about.

This includes Senn from Hive, Jeffrey Saenz from Bitget, Crypto Pareh from Tekkon and Jearon Wong from CoinW.

These companies are also considered to have drawn a big footprint into the web3 adoption in the country.

Debate Moderator Kish Morales emphasized that conversations like these will enable them to take control of the digital world and create a future in which everyone can actually own a “piece of the internet.”

“This helps you shape your idea, your knowledge about blockchain or Web3 in general,” said Morales.  — Kristin de Dios, CNU Interns/GAN