LIPA, Batangas – Over 700 students from more than 30 schools in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon gathered at the University of Batangas – Lipa for the largest Campus DEVCON Summit in CALABARZON, aptly named Tech Nexus. Organized by DEVCON, the Philippines’ leading tech and developer community, the event showcased emerging technologies and provided students with tools to shape the future.
Students explored cutting-edge topics, including quantum computing, Snowflake Enterprise Data Cloud, FinTech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Industry experts delivered insights through talks, panels, and breakout sessions, sparking conversations about career paths and tech’s role in tackling global issues.
DEVCON Founder Winston L. Damarillo highlighted two significant initiatives during his keynote address: the Climate Innovation Summit, focusing on tech solutions for climate challenges, and DEVCON+, a global platform linking Filipino developers to international opportunities. “Campus DEVCON introduces students to technologies, careers, and potential collaborators early,” Damarillo emphasized.
The summit wasn’t just about advanced tech. DEVCON Kids, through partnerships like Code.org, hosted the largest Hour of Code event in the Philippines, inspiring young Filipinos to see coding as accessible and transformative. DEVCON Kids Ambassador Megan Uyao shared, “AI isn’t magic; it requires ethics, systems, and understanding. Teaching these early ensures responsible innovation.”
Mark Estopace, DEVCON Luzon Programs Co-Lead, shared plans to expand their reach to MIMAROPA and North Luzon in 2025. “We’re bringing tech closer to students, saving them trips to Manila while providing equal access to opportunities,” he said.
The event marked a significant milestone for DEVCON’s chapter system. Rachelle Perez, lead for Campus DEVCON CALABARZON, praised the dedication of the Campus Ambassador Cohort 2024 and announced applications for Cohort 2. DEVCON Executive Director Dom De Leon added, “With the official launch of DEVCON Pampanga, we aim to empower more underserved regions.”
Tech Nexus demonstrated that the Filipino tech community is thriving, driven by innovation and inclusivity. With initiatives like DEVCON+, Campus DEVCON, and DEVCON Kids, DEVCON is not only building bridges but also nurturing future tech leaders to shape a sustainable and ethical future.