Devcon, the leading volunteer tech organization in the Philippines, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a two-day tech summit on June 29-30 at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City in Mindanao. This move highlights DEVCON’s commitment to fostering a digitally transformed Philippines, focusing on regional tech ecosystems.
“This year’s decision to support and host a major summit in Mindanao wasn’t just about location,” said Dom De Leon, executive director, Devcon. “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 coincided with the group’s anniversary and welcomed Bukidnon as its 10th local chapter. This initiative aims to balance the concentration of tech events in Metro Manila and promote inclusive innovation nationwide.
Empowering local talent
The Devcon Mindanao Summit offered a comprehensive two-day program designed to empower local talent. Participants engaged in breakout sessions, explored tech career opportunities, learned from global experts, and witnessed a startup pitch competition alongside 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 Peng Sumarago, president of Devcon Davao Chapter and co-lead of Mindanao Programs. “This event creates a movement that showcases the innovations and opportunities in Mindanao.”
Devcon announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aiming to collaborate on climate-resilient innovations. This partnership leverages DEVCON’s network of tech experts and volunteers to address key climate challenges in the Philippines.
“Despite the many initiatives that we have done in DOST, we have so many ideas that can be done, but we need developers,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. “People who have other perspectives and ideas can accelerate our efforts and implement things faster.”
The Mindanao summit program emphasized an inclusive approach to empowering tech talent, while the DOST partnership initiated a new era in climate innovation. This collaborative effort positions DEVCON as a key player in empowering Filipino tech leaders and addressing climate change challenges.