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| A student participant answers a question posed by Roxanne Aviñante, a senior science research specialist from the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute. This exchange took place during the “ASTIg Tech Talks Season 2: Blockchain for Young Innovators” forum at the 2nd National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival, held at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Tent in Pasay City on September 20, 2024. (Photo courtesy of DOST-STII) |
by: Jumalynne Doctolero
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) hosted a forum aimed to engage young minds with the potential of blockchain technology and inspire the next generation of innovators.
The event, titled “ASTIg Tech Talks Season 2: Blockchain for Young Innovators,” took place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent in Pasay City, as part of the 2nd National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF). This initiative aligns with the festival’s theme, “STEM VIBE: Engaging the Youth in Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities.”
Understanding blockchain
Roxanne S. Aviñante, a Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-ASTI, kicked off the event by introducing blockchain technology to participants. She described blockchain as a secure, tamper-proof database that operates across multiple computers.
“When someone wants to add a new block or piece of data, everyone in the network checks if it’s correct—this is what we call consensus,” Aviñante explained. She emphasized the rising demand for blockchain expertise alongside other technologies such as AI and cybersecurity.
Beyond cryptocurrency: The versatility of blockchain
Marc Jerome T. Tulali, a Science Research Specialist I, discussed the broader applications of blockchain beyond its initial use in cryptocurrency. He highlighted non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as digital assets stored on the blockchain, representing unique items like artwork and media.
Aviñante also shared insights into DOST-ASTI’s project, the Self-Sovereign Identity Empowerment: Reinventing Rights and Attributes (SIERRA), a blockchain-based system aimed at enhancing online identity security and managing intellectual property. This initiative seeks to decentralize user privacy and address concerns related to data ownership and transparency.
Enhancing transparency in voting, supply chains
Tulali pointed out the potential of blockchain to transform traditional voting systems, which often lack transparency and are susceptible to manipulation. He asserted that blockchain’s inherent features—tamper-proof nature, transparency, and decentralization—could significantly improve public trust in electoral processes.
The discussion also covered the challenges faced in supply chain management, particularly issues with traceability and fraud. Tulali noted that blockchain could enhance product tracking and operational efficiency, thereby mitigating risks associated with counterfeit goods.
Career opportunities for young innovators
In conclusion, Tulali encouraged attendees to pursue online courses to delve deeper into blockchain technology. He outlined several career paths within the field, including blockchain developer, NFT artist, and blockchain researcher.
“The future of blockchain—and technology in general—belongs to you, our young innovators,” Tulali stated, inspiring participants to leverage their skills in various sectors, from healthcare to entertainment.
This forum was part of a series of techno-fora at the 2024 NYSTIF, which ran from September 18 to 21 and aimed to open doors for youth in science and technology. (JVD/PIA-NCR)
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