Philippines DOST-ASTI Empowers Youth with Blockchain, NFT, and Cryptocurrency Skills for Future Innovation

The Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) is leading an innovative effort to equip the nation’s youth with crucial skills in blockchain, NFTs, and cryptocurrency. The Philippines DOST-ASTI aims to prepare young minds for a future where these digital advancements drive economic growth and sustainability. This initiative seeks to foster a new generation of innovators capable of shaping a more technologically advanced and resilient future.

On September 20, 2024, Philippines dost-Asti hosted a tech forum designed to introduce students to the vast potential of blockchain technology and its real-world applications. This event is part of the government’s efforts to empower its youth by integrating them into the rapidly evolving world of digital technology.

Philippines Dost-Asti: Blockchain Education Takes Center Stage

The Philippines dost-Asti forum provided participants with hands-on learning opportunities about blockchain technology. Senior science research specialist Roxanne S. Aviñante, a key speaker at the event, emphasized that blockchain technology is more than just a trend; it’s a critical tool for shaping the future job market. “Blockchain is emerging as one of the most in-demand technologies today. There is a growing need for skilled professionals who can work in industries that use blockchain,” Aviñante explained.

This initiative underscores Philippines dost-Asti’s dedication to encouraging students to explore science, technology, and innovation. By fostering interest in these fields early on, the agency hopes to prepare the youth for a future where blockchain will play a key role in the global economy.

A crucial aspect of the event was demonstrating the practical applications of blockchain. Specialist Marc Jerome T. Tulali highlighted how blockchain technology can be implemented in everyday life. “Blockchain is revolutionizing how we manage data, from voting systems to immutable information storage,” Tulali said.

He further introduced students to NFTs and their uses, emphasizing their potential in a variety of sectors. For example, the Philippines is already developing a blockchain-based system for managing intellectual property rights called the Self-Sovereign Identity Empowerment: Reinventing Rights and Attributes (SIERRA).

Additionally, the curriculum covered how blockchain is making waves in industries like gaming, healthcare, government, and public sector services. Students were also educated on how decentralized finance (DeFi) and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are leveraging blockchain for financial and identity solutions.

Philippines Dost-Asti Creates a National Stablecoin 

Beyond empowering youth, Philippines dost-Asti is part of a larger national effort to embrace blockchain at various levels of society. One prominent example is the introduction of stablecoins. In May, the Philippines’ central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), announced the start of controlled trials of a national stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the local peso.

The project aims to enhance the local digital asset ecosystem and strengthen remittance services.

In collaboration with Coins.ph, the initiative ensures that the peso reserves back the circulating supply of the stablecoin. “The goal of the PHPC stablecoin is to improve digital asset trading and remittance services, areas where the Philippines plays a major role globally,” said Coins.ph CEO Wei Zhou.

The ongoing trials of PHPC are focused on assessing its potential impact on the Philippines’ financial ecosystem and determining how stablecoins could fit into a broader blockchain-powered future.

The importance of education in technological advancements cannot be understated. The Philippines dost-Asti initiative is playing a critical role in preparing students for future roles in industries driven by blockchain and NFTs. Through this program, the agency hopes to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy professionals capable of contributing to the country’s digital transformation.

Moreover, the education provided by the Philippines dost-Asti doesn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge but ensures that students understand how to apply blockchain technology in practical scenarios. “This is about more than just understanding how blockchain works. It’s about preparing young people to use technology as a tool for innovation and positive change,” Aviñante added.

A Bright Future for the Philippines with Blockchain

The initiatives by Philippines dost-Asti showcase the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in blockchain innovation. By giving the youth access to cutting-edge technology, the Philippines is positioning itself as a global player in the digital economy.

This initiative also has the potential to create a ripple effect, with other countries following the Philippines’ lead in using blockchain for educational purposes. As technology continues to evolve, the Philippines dost-Asti is ensuring that its students are aware of these developments and equipped to shape them.

The vision of Philippines dost-Asti is clear: to empower the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a future where blockchain and NFTs will play a crucial role. The program is set to expand further, and with continued investment in youth education, the Philippines is on track to become a blockchain powerhouse. Get more from The Bit Gazette