📋 Tender Overview
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is expanding support for local talents in e-sports and game development, citing the industrys potential for growth in the coming years. DOST-10 held a knowledge exchange forum called PowerUp: Connect on Sept. 11 to introduce students, young professionals, and aspiring game developers in the region to emerging technologies aimed at boosting the regions ability to produce games and applications. Experts from the United States, Canada, Uruguay, and Vietnam discussed Web3, blockchain, tokenization, and related technologies, showing how these tools can open opportunities for innovation, business, and global reach for Filipino developers. Ruel Vincent C. Banal, DOST-10 assistant regional director for technical operations, said the forum builds on Filipino talent and innovations showcased during the 2024 National Science and Technology Week and the PowerUp: Game Development Bootcamp held in July. From that spark, we are now seeing how the DOST community, together with partners and other universities, is pushing the boundaries of what Filipino talent can achieve in the global game development industry, Banal said. Solidifying support DOST also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and international partners. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to support local talents in e-sports and game development and produce globally competitive, market-ready games and applications using Web3 and distributed ledger technologies. Under the MOU, partner organizations will co-facilitate learning and capacity-building activities, connect with international experts, and provide technical support through research, technology incubation, and platforms for showcasing locally developed games. USTP System President Ambrosio B. Cultura II said the agreement reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth and reinforces the universitys mission as an institution grounded in science, technology, and innovation. We are proud to stand alongside partners who share our belief that education, research and industry must work hand in hand to create transformative solutions, Cultura said. Future plans Banal said the DOST aims to position the Philippines as a leading creative economy by 2030. The PowerUp forum is part of a nationwide series of meetings with stakeholders in the National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN. DOST-NCR assistant regional director Osric Quibot said the visits help ensure the agencys programs respond to the specific needs of each region. DOST-NCR Assistant Regional Director Engr. Osric Quibot also said these visits help ensure that the agencys programs for e-sports and game development remain responsive, guided by insights, recommendations, and the specific needs of the regions. Umiikot kami sa ibat ibang regions kasi ano yung needs ng bawat region, ano yung gaps na ma-identify natin, so that we from the DOST can curate an appropriate program, Quibot said. He added that as discussions on Web3 and other technologies develop, DOST hopes stakeholders will identify practical uses and region-specific cases that could increase support from local governments. (GDA/PIA-10)
