LIPA, BATANGAS – The Campus DEVCON Summit 2024: Tech Nexus, co-presented by the University of Batangas (UB) and DEVCON Philippines, successfully concluded on December 7, 2024, at UB Lipa Campus. Gathering over 700 students from more than 30 schools across CALABARZON, the summit empowered young minds to drive technological innovation in the Philippines.
Recognized as the largest campus tech summit in the region, the event featured thought-provoking talks from industry leaders, discussions on emerging technologies, and inspiring calls to action for students to explore careers in tech.
DEVCON Philippines Founder and President Winston L. Damarillo underscored the importance of early exposure to technology. “The Campus DEVCON program brings technology, ideas, and experts to campuses,” Damarillo said. “We introduce students to technologies, career opportunities, and potential partners early on, planting the seeds of innovation for the future.”
Executive Director Dom De Leon highlighted the organization’s commitment to bridging the gap between metro-centric tech communities and those in the countryside. “It’s been a remarkable year for DEVCON,” he shared. “We’re proud to ensure that tech communities beyond the metro aren’t left behind. Events like Tech Nexus nurture young talent and inspire them to reach new heights.”
The summit provided students with an immersive experience in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, data security, and software engineering. Key speakers included DICT Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who emphasized the intersection of policy and technological innovation, and Nathan Samile, Deputy Executive Director of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines.
Students were also captivated by industry experts like Cedric Miraflor, Lead Cybersecurity Engineer at FusionNode, and youth leaders such as Megan Uyao, DEVCON Kids Ambassador, who shared stories of empowering underprivileged children through coding and technology. Other inspiring speakers included John Philip Dean, an expert in data analytics, and Nicolei Lozano Esperida, a young innovator who developed five Google Play games while still an undergraduate.
For many students, the summit was a transformative experience. “The summit taught us that we have the potential to be innovators and changemakers,” shared a participant from Batangas. “It motivated us to dream bigger and see technology as a tool for positive change.”
By the end of the event, UB Lipa reinforced its reputation as a regional leader in academic and technological excellence. The university’s commitment to bridging education and industry was evident throughout the summit, further strengthening its ties to the local and national tech community.
The success of Tech Nexus highlights the growing enthusiasm for technology among Filipino youth, reaffirming the power of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the next generation of tech leaders.
