DICT’s Jocelle Batapa talks to CoinGeek Backstage about spurring blockchain adoption beyond Manila
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While the Philippines has established itself as a global blockchain pioneer, most of its adoption has centered on Metro Manila. The country’s government is working to push this adoption into the other regions, and as Jocelle Batapa-Sigue revealed, Bataan is a key region where adoption is increasing.
Batapa is undersecretary at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and in her position she pushes for the adoption of new technology. Speaking with CoinGeek Backstage host Claire Celdran on the sidelines of the Global Blockchain Summit in the town of Balanga in Bataan, she revealed that blockchain is a key technology that she believes can change the fortunes of millions of Filipinos.
“My goal is to ensure that we leverage digital solutions and new technologies to create jobs and investment opportunities for the Philippines, especially for rural areas. The direction is to bring this advocacy and digital awareness of new technologies beyond Metro Manila,” she said.
Batapa believes that the province of Bataan is a perfect place to start the initiative. First, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia has been quite supportive of initiatives that seek to digitize the province, including blockchain.
One of the most important developments in the province is the Bataanverse, which, according to Batapa, symbolizes “a province that wants to bring its people to a future where digital technologies are able to help bring food to the table and jobs to all citizens.”
Batapa acknowledged that there are challenges ahead. One of these is the digital divide, which stems from “the apparent lack of an innovation mindset.”
However, she believes the Philippines can emerge as a global blockchain hub despite these challenges.
“I see the convergence of different companies doing different work around this technology … I see a Philippines that will become a name in the blockchain industry as a leader in this technology.”
Watch: The Philippines is miles ahead in blockchain regulations: Mark Vernon on CoinGeek Backstage
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