MANILA, PHILIPPINES — DEVCON, the country’s leading volunteer tech organization, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a two-day tech summit held on June 29 and 30 at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City in Mindanao. This strategic shift towards supporting regional tech ecosystems reflected DEVCON’s commitment to a digitally transformed Philippines for all.
“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.”
Empowering geeks, empowering the planet
The summit coincided with DEVCON’s 15th anniversary, and Bukidnon was welcomed as its 10th local chapter. This move acknowledged the concentration of tech events and opportunities in Metro Manila and underscored DEVCON’s dedication to fostering inclusive innovation across the country.
The DEVCON Mindanao Summit offered a comprehensive two-day program designed to empower local talent. Attendees participated in breakout sessions, learned more about the latest tech career opportunities at the exhibitors’ area, learned from global experts in the main stage, and witnessed a startup pitch competition alongside regionally relevant tech awards recognition.
DEVCON Bukidnon officers’ oath-taking as the 10th local chapter of DEVCON Philippines together with the national office leaders and founding leaders of DEVCON in Mindanao.
“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
Further solidifying its commitment to innovation, DEVCON announced a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This landmark deal leverages DEVCON’s nationwide network of tech experts and volunteers to collaborate on climate-resilient innovations.
Climate Entrepreneur John B. Echauz, DEVCON Founder and President Winston L. Damarillo, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr.
“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 that tackles key climate challenges in the Philippines.
15 years and beyond
DEVCON’s 15th anniversary celebration proved to be a momentous occasion. The curated Mindanao summit program signifies an inclusive approach to empowering tech talent, while the DOST partnership marks a new era in climate innovation. This collaborative effort positions DEVCON as a key player in empowering Filipino tech leaders and tackling 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.
Leaders and volunteers from the DEVCON National office, Davao, Iligan, Bukidnon, Cagayan De Oro, Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo chapters joined forces for the first-ever Mindanao Summit.
Visit the DEVCON website and Facebook page to discover more about DEVCON’s nationwide programs and opportunities as well as how to take part in building a community of geeks for the future — one that cares and empowers the planet.
