DEVCON celebrates 15 years with a successful Mindanao summit, partners with DOST for climate innovation

Developers and professionals gather in Mindanao to learn new insights in technology.

MANILA - DEVCON, the country's leading volunteer tech organization, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a two-day tech summit held on June 29-30 at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City in Mindanao. This strategic shift towards supporting regional tech ecosystems reflects DEVCON's commitment to a digitally transformed Philippines for all.

A commitment to inclusive innovation

"This year's decision to support and host a major summit in Mindanao wasn't just about location," emphasized Dom De Leon, DEVCON's Executive Director. "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."

Empowering Geeks, Empowering the Planet.

The summit coincided with DEVCON's 15th anniversary and welcomed Bukidnon as their 10th local chapter. This move acknowledges the concentration of tech events and opportunities in Metro Manila and underscores DEVCON's dedication to fostering inclusive innovation across the country.

Empowering local talent through a curated program

The DEVCON Mindanao Summit offered a comprehensive two-day program designed to empower local talent. Attendees participated in breakout sessions, learned more about the latest tech career opportunities at the exhibitors’ area, learned from global experts in the main stage, and witnessed a startup pitch competition alongside regionally relevant tech awards recognition.

DEVCON Bukidnon officers’ oath-taking as the 10th local chapter of DEVCON Philippines together with the national office leaders and founding leaders of DEVCON in Mindanao.

"With the help of our partners and sponsors, we’re showcasing the best of Mindanao and bringing the best to Mindanao," said DEVCON Davao Chapter President and Mindanao Programs co-lead Peng Sumarago. "This event creates a movement that showcases the innovations and opportunities in Mindanao," she added.

Landmark climate innovation partnership

Further solidifying their commitment to innovation, DEVCON announced a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This landmark deal leverages DEVCON's nationwide network of tech experts and volunteers to collaborate on climate-resilient innovations.

Climate Entrepreneur John B. Echauz, DEVCON President Winston L. Damarillo, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr.

“Despite the many initiatives that we have done in DOST, we have so many ideas that can be done, but we need developers,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. commented on the partnership. “People who have other perspectives and ideas can accelerate our efforts and implement things faster. We need developers with fresh perspectives to accelerate our efforts,” he added.

This partnership signifies a powerful collaboration between tech experts and scientists, aiming to build a community which tackles key climate challenges in the Philippines.

15 years and beyond

Silicon Valley veteran and DEVCON Founder Winston L. Damarillo.

DEVCON’s 15th anniversary celebration has proven to be a momentous occasion. The curated Mindanao summit program signifies an inclusive approach to empowering tech talent, while the DOST partnership marks a new era in climate innovation. This collaborative effort positions DEVCON as a key player in empowering Filipino tech leaders and tackling the critical challenge of climate change.

"We will start building innovation to combat climate change," said DEVCON Founder Winston L. Damarillo. "The Philippines has a stake in making this work," he added.

Leaders and volunteers from the DEVCON National office, Davao,Iligan, Bukidnon, Cagayan De Oro, Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo chapters join forces for the first-ever Mindanao Summit.

Ready to be part of the movement? Visit devcon.ph and follow facebook.com/devconph to discover more about DEVCON's nationwide programs and opportunities. See how you can volunteer your skills and be part of building a community of geeks for the future – one that cares and empowers the planet. (PR)