DEVCON, the country’s leading volunteer tech organization, marked its 15th anniversary with a two-day tech summit held on June 29-30 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City, Mindanao. This strategy move toward assisting regional tech ecosystems underscores DEVCON’s dedication to a digitally transformed Philippines for everyone.
A commitment to inclusive innovation
“This year’s decision to support and host a major summit in Mindanao wasn’t just about location,” emphasized Dom De Leon, DEVCON’s Executive Director. “It reflects DEVCON’s intention to empower regional tech leaders and bring the best of global technology and inspiration that’s most relevant to Mindanao.”
The summit commemorated DEVCON’s 15th anniversary and welcomed Bukidnon as its tenth local chapter. This decision recognizes the concentration of technology events and possibilities in Metro Manila and demonstrates DEVCON’s commitment to encouraging inclusive innovation throughout the country.
Empowering local talent through a curated program
The DEVCON Mindanao Summit provided an extensive two-day program to empower local talent. Attendees participated breakout sessions, learnt about the newest tech career opportunities in the exhibitors’ area, heard from worldwide experts on the main stage, and observed a startup pitch competition as well as locally relevant tech awards recognition.
“With the help of our partners and sponsors, we’re showcasing the best of Mindanao and bringing the best to Mindanao,” said DEVCON Davao Chapter President and Mindanao Programs co-lead Peng Sumarago. “This event creates a movement that showcases the innovations and opportunities in Mindanao,” she added.
Landmark climate innovation partnership
DEVCON has announced a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), demonstrating their dedication to innovation. This historic agreement allows DEVCON’s countrywide network of tech professionals and volunteers to cooperate on climate-resilient solutions.
“Despite the many initiatives that we have done in DOST, we have so many ideas that can be done, but we need developers,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. commented on the partnership. “People who have other perspectives and ideas can accelerate our efforts and implement things faster. We need developers with fresh perspectives to accelerate our efforts,” he added.
This partnership signifies a powerful collaboration between tech experts and scientists, aiming to build a community which tackles key climate challenges in the Philippines.
15 years and beyond
DEVCON’s 15th anniversary celebration has proven to be a momentous occasion. The customized Mindanao summit program represents an inclusive approach to developing digital talent, whilst the DOST collaboration ushers in a new age in climate innovation. This combined endeavor establishes DEVCON as a vital actor in developing Filipino technology professionals and addressing the critical challenge of climate change.
“We will start building innovation to combat climate change,” said DEVCON Founder Winston L. Damarillo. “The Philippines has a stake in making this work,” he added.
Ready to be part of the movement? Visit devcon.ph and follow facebook.com/devconph to discover more about DEVCON’s nationwide programs and opportunities. See how you can volunteer your skills and be part of building a community of geeks for the future – one that cares and empowers the planet.
