The Philippines is taking significant steps to bridge gaps in digital education by introducing a groundbreaking blockchain builder program. With a primary focus on equipping students with essential skills in blockchain technology, this initiative aims to prepare young developers for future opportunities in the tech-driven global landscape.
Introducing the Sui Builder Program
Students from Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, are getting their first introduction to cutting-edge blockchain development through the Sui Builder Program. This program teaches Move, an open-source smart contract language initially developed by Meta for its Diem project and later enhanced by former developers to power the Sui and Aptos blockchains.
The initiative stands apart as a skill-oriented program targeting both personal and economic growth in a region where educational opportunities in advanced tech are sparse. Nicholo dela Rosa, a computer science student at Palawan State University, shared, “This program changed our mindset, encouraging us to think big and explore new horizons.”
Real-World Solutions Through On-Chain Apps
Participants in the program showcased their skills in a hackathon by developing Campfire, an innovative on-chain application. The platform digitizes certificates and community assets while gamifying event participation through badge-earning mechanics. This effort exemplifies how blockchain technology can have real-world applications in local communities, fostering both innovation and utility.
James Wing, Head of AAA Gaming Partnerships at Mysten Labs, noted that Move’s object-oriented programming model provides a natural learning curve for new developers. This approach helps students build skills that align with the needs of a digital economy.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Despite disruptions caused by consecutive typhoons, 50 of the initial 127 students successfully completed the program. The Philippine government, together with Yield Guild Games’ Metaversity initiative, provided essential resources such as training hubs, curriculum design, and job placement opportunities.
As Bianca Cruz, co-lead at Metaversity, noted, students displayed admirable dedication despite the challenges, often traveling long distances and sacrificing weekends for this program. “When opportunities finally land close to home, these young learners show up eager to embrace them,” she said.
Addressing Education Gaps
While programs like Sui Builder aim to advance digital skills, they also highlight deeper systemic issues. According to a 2022 OECD report, Filipino students still rank among the lowest worldwide in critical areas like reading, math, and science. Additionally, the country’s digital literacy rates are some of the lowest in the region, as per a World Bank study.
Educational initiatives are crucial, but experts argue that they must be paired with stronger foundational education reforms. Paolo Lising, a Harvard Extension School student, emphasized that lacking literacy and comprehension skills limits the effectiveness of advanced tech programs. He added, “True impact requires integrating foundational education with advanced technologies.”
Looking Ahead
With the Philippine government aiming to create 8 million digital jobs by 2028, programs like the Sui Builder are critical in shaping a future-ready workforce. By focusing on exposing students to blockchain and Web3 technologies, this initiative offers hope for a brighter future beyond traditional outsourcing roles.
Looking to explore blockchain development? Start by diving into the essentials of blockchain and smart contracts with resources like the Ledger Academy.
