CoinGeek Backstage with DICT’s Carlos Albornoz: There is huge interest in blockchain in the Philippines
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It’s an excellent time for the Web3 and blockchain industry in the Philippines, says Carlos Albornoz, a project development officer at the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Speaking to CoinGeek Backstage, he stated that he believes that the country will greatly benefit from these technologies and create jobs for its millions of citizens.
Albornoz is currently project manager for SET PH (Stimulating the growth of Emerging Technology in the Philippines). He spoke with CoinGeek’s Claire Celdran on the sidelines of the first BSV Blockchain Meetup in Manila.
“As the ICT industry development agency, we are constantly looking for various new technologies that will eventually lead to job creation, especially those that provide jobs in rural areas. One of these is blockchain, especially Web 3.0,” Albornoz said.
Aside from SET PH, where DICT promotes new technologies like AI and blockchain, the department is also embarking on “Tech Trends,” an online training program “where we provide relevant information to our fellow Filipinos on what these new technologies are.”
Albornoz revealed that in his role at DICT, he had discovered many local blockchain-focused initiatives in the country.
“We have artists transitioning from Web2 to Web3 and doing NFTs. There are also local chains that are developing. It’s a fun time for the blockchain industry in the Philippines,” he stated.
The Southeast Asian country is known globally for its thriving play-to-earn gaming industry. While Axie Infinity grabbed all the headlines for having 40% of its players in the Philippines, several other blockchain games are thriving in the country.
“Gaming to make money has been big and it actually legitimized blockchain technology for many Filipinos and we are very grateful for that,” Albornoz said.
Aside from having over 100 million people, most of whom are under the age of 30 and quite tech-savvy, the Philippines has also benefited greatly from positive regulations from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other top regulators in the financial industry.
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