Block Dojo to build blockchain solutions for the Philippines: Stefan Matthews

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The Block Dojo Philippines was officially launched in the Southeast Asian country last August 8. Intending to transform the startup ecosystem in the Philippines, the startup incubator aims to train and upskill homegrown talents in spaces like the blockchain, Web3, and more.

In his opening remarks during the launch, nChain Co-founder and Executive Chairman Stefan Matthews sheds light on the potential of the 12-week incubator program in the country. He sees Block Dojo as a groundbreaking initiative that would not just teach Filipinos about blockchain but help the nation unlock innovative applications using the technology.

“The Philippines has become my home,” Matthews said, recalling the events that ultimately paved the way for the startup incubator to make its way to the country.

Back in August 22, the BSV Blockchain Association sought to bring the utility of blockchain technology with the first BSV Meetup at the Manila House. The event became the starting point for Matthews’ never-ending journey of attending meetings, which eventually built a bridge to connect with various individuals representing a local government unit in the Philippines.

Two months later, after the Marcos administration announced the national digital transformation plan, Matthews was invited to a Global Blockchain Summit in Bataan.

“I went there not knowing anything about it, to be honest,” Matthews admitted. “I walked to the door of this basketball stadium, and around the walls were posters and placards of BSV Blockchain.”

After a chain of interactions, nChain ended up signing an memorandum of understanding with the Provincial Government of Bataan to deliver a blockchain application in 2023. Matthews held up to his promise with Governor Joet Garcia to establish a Block Dojo Incubator in the province.

“Tonight, I keep that promise. Tonight, we announce the establishment of that incubator. And that incubator does a lot of things: It develops and fosters Filipino knowledge in blockchain; It delivers employment; It delivers opportunities through the incubator to uncover special applications of blockchain not only for the Philippines but to the world,” he noted.

Having a chance to delve into the project with none other than current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Matthews asked what sort of projects the president wishes to prioritize.

“He talked quite openly about agriculture, supply chain, weather, and disaster management. And to think about what we’ve experienced here over the last three or four weeks with weather and disaster management, we can see that there is tremendous scope for building applications to support the management leadership of the country,” Matthews shared.

Due to its geographical position along the Pacific typhoon belt, the Philippines is home to 18 – 20 typhoons per year. It’s one of the countries in Asia and worldwide most frequently affected by tropical cyclones.

The nChain head and board member of the Block Dojo sees a double impact bringing the program to the Southeast Asian country as he believes that the Block Dojo, together with nChain, would fulfill its commitment to teaching the nation about blockchain and assisting and developing the skills of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Block Dojo Philippines will start in January 2024 in the province of Bataan. To learn more about the Block Dojo Philippines launch, check the recap here.

Philippines has the most to gain with blockchain adoption: nChain’s Stefan Matthews