MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and the Aptos Foundation will shortly launch the Hiraya Network in the Philippines to help empower more Filipino innovators and researchers, especially in the areas of blockchain technology and Web3.
With Hiraya Network in the country, techno startups, universities, and innovators will have the opportunity to connect with Aptos network which will enable them to have wider access to funding training and upskilling opportunities.
Emerson Fonseca, BLOKC (Blockchain Lead Organization and Knowledge Center) CEO, noted during the recent Hiraya Network launch in Taguig City that “there are a lot of talents in the Philippines, but there are no investors. Our mission is to provide opportunities,”
In a interview, DOST-ASTI senior science research specialist Roxanne Aviñante said public-private partnerships are essential in helping developers penetrate the market, adding that the partnership with Aptos focuses on capacity-building, technical collaboration for research and development.\
“There are many technologies such as AI, quantum computing, but Aptos focuses on blockchain and web3, which are both important to improve government services and transparency, making transactions tamper-proof,” Avinante pointed out.
She added that blockchain technology is used in many transactions, like in cryptocurrency. “Web3 is also important. South Korea’s SK Telecom, for instance, uses Web3 in its ‘T wallet’ in partnership with Aptos,” she stressed.
“We will build talents through collaborations with universities; upskill engineers through Web3 technology,” said Thomas Chou, Aptos Foundation’s head of marketing in APAC.
A Filipino observer noted that ‘Hiraya’ was apparently derived from an ancient Filipino word that means hope and dreams. The BLOKC, which is spearheading the Hiraya Network initiative, was established in 2017, providing boot camps, hackathons, and incubation.
Aviñante said ASTI continues to explore possible sources of funding for research and development. The BLOKC, she added, has been a partner in capacity-building.
ASTI has been connecting the BLOKC with the industry sector and campuses, she said. (With PNA)