DICT, DTI join hands to support Philippine Blockchain Week 2023

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have announced their support for Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2023. The much-anticipated follow up event will take place from September 19 to 21, 2023, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts, Manila, Philippines.

Philippines’ flagship blockchain event returns in Manila, September 19 to 21, 2023

DICT Director Emmy Lou Delfin and DTI Director Jo-Dann Darong spoke at the conference and discussed how the Philippine Blockchain Week will help the government fulfill its commitment to boost collaboration, innovation, and digitization in the country.

Currently, 6.13% of the total population, or nearly 7 million Filipinos, own cryptocurrency and 32% of Filipino internet users saying that they own non-fungible tokens (NFTs). With this, Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP) Founding President and Philippine Blockchain Week lead Convenor Dr. Donald Lim said the Philippines is underway to become a global blockchain capital.

The event will draw thousands of attendees from different industries and regions across the globe and will bring together some of the most influential leaders in the blockchain and crypto industry.

This year’s Philippine Blockchain Week carries the theme “BRKOUT,” aiming to encourage everyone to break out of conventions and comfort zones, break out of old habits to embrace new opportunities, and break out of the pack to become leaders in the blockchain space.

Reflecting the current state of the industry, the event will feature immersive discussions about blockchain, fintech, the metaverse, regulation, Artificial Intelligence, privacy and DeFi among various other thought-provoking topics.

Dir. Delfin said the DICT will spearhead Blockchain 101, which will educate thousands of students across NCR on opportunities in the industry, and will conduct focus group discussions for government officials to promote the use of blockchain technology in storing government data.

DTI Dir. Darong also expressed support to promote a whole-of-society approach to integrating blockchain technology in the industry.

“At DTI, we promise to support all initiatives that will gear towards the attainment of the vision of making the Philippines not just innovative and creative, but more competitive through blockchain,” he said.

Darong shared that the Philippine Blockchain Week serves as a perfect venue for cultivating creativity and innovation, aligning with the department's vision for the inaugural celebration of the Philippine Creative Industry Month in September.

Lim emphasized that securing government support and collaboration will bolster blockchain adoption and innovations in the country.

“Government intervention and support have always been critical for the adoption of blockchain technology in any country. For the Philippines, our government’s broad-minded stance will be instrumental in positioning us to becoming the blockchain capital of Asia,” Lim said.

In addition to government partnerships, the Philippine Blockchain Week announced a unique partnership with world-renowned, Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco, as he makes his debut into the blockchain space. Cinco, who is known for dressing Hollywood celebrities and royalty, will be collaborating with PBW in staging a Metaverse Fashion Gala to showcase the merging of fashion and the metaverse. Cinco's participation brings excitement to the event, as it signifies the immense potential of tapping into various industries that have yet to venture into blockchain technology.

Other highlights include a VC-startup matchmaking event in partnership with CNN Philippines’ business reality show, “The Final Pitch,”; a gaming expo in partnership with Tier One Entertainment, that will bring in gamers, streamers, cosplayers for meet and greets and gaming exhibitions; and the live global announcement of finalists of the prestigious global Web 3 awards show, the NFTY Awards.  

The NFTY Awards was created by Tech Entrepreneur/Investor Chris J Snook and E! Entertainment Founder Larry Namer who formed their partnership after they met in Manila at the inaugural PBW in Nov 2022.

On the local awards scene, the Philippine Block Awards will return to honor leaders in finance, technology, and business industries for supporting and promoting the adoption of blockchain in the country.

To reserve a spot at Philippine Blockchain Week 2023, register at https://www.pbw.ph/. Early bird discounts available now.