Filipino researchers and educators used their participation in the IBM APAC Quantum Summit 2025 to call for stronger national efforts in preparing the Philippines for the growing influence of quantum technologies in Asia.
The event, held at the National University of Singapore, gathered regional experts to discuss how quantum computing is moving from theory toward practical use in industries such as finance, healthcare, and secure communications.
Rather than focusing only on the country’s presence at the summit, the Philippine delegation highlighted what they see as an urgent need: building talent, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that Filipino researchers and students can take part in the region’s shift toward advanced computing.
“Asia is emerging as a vital node in the global quantum ecosystem, with real applications already taking shape in finance, healthcare, and secure communications,” said Stefany Caparida, chapter lead, Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) MSU-IIT. “Yet our talent pipelines remain narrow, especially in developing nations like the Philippines. Early education and inclusive access are critical,” Caparida said.
Caparida said linking emerging technology with entrepreneurship will help more Filipinos understand where opportunities may appear.
“My value lies in translating complex technologies into entrepreneurial contexts, helping students ask the right questions, spot opportunities, and build ventures that are both innovative and resilient. I’m still learning, but I believe this journey is worth taking,” she said.
For QCSP MSU-IIT chapter co-lead Marjorie Tabigue, the summit made it clear that early exploration matters even before fully fault-tolerant quantum systems exist.
“What I’m inspired by from one of the speakers at the IBM Quantum Summit is the clear message that we don’t need to wait for fault-tolerant quantum computers to begin creating real impact, the time for discovery is now,” Tabigue said.
She added that this period offers an opening for countries like the Philippines to build foundational skills and increase local collaboration.
QCSP director Engr. Dylan Josh Lopez said the summit reinforced the idea that progress in quantum computing requires cooperation across countries and institutions.
“The summit reminded us that quantum progress depends not only on hardware but also on software, algorithms, and people who can bridge theory and real-world applications. The Philippines can play an active role in this transformation through education, research, and partnership,” Lopez said.
The delegation supported IBM’s call for hybrid systems, where classical and quantum technologies work together. They said the discussions helped clarify where the Philippines can contribute, especially through education and research networks.
Other Filipino attendees included Ross Mariano of DOST–ASTI and Ariane Jaraplasan of DOST–PCIEERD.
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