By Andre Gutierrez
The Philippine government has launched a new blockchain initiative aimed at integrating local developers and researchers into the global digital economy, amid growing interest in Web3 technologies.
The Hiraya Network, a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and the Aptos Foundation, is designed to support Filipino innovators by linking them with training programmes, funding opportunities, and international networks in blockchain development, the Philippine Information Agency reported.
Hiraya aiming to boost blockchain capacity
Taking its name from an old Filipino word for hope and aspiration, Hiraya seeks to create a support system for startups, universities, and independent developers to build capacity in a sector that has seen rapid global expansion.
The initiative comes in response to the increasing demand for expertise in blockchain and Web3, particularly in systems that enhance transparency and efficiency through secure, tamper-proof digital transactions.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Emerson Fonseca, chief executive of The BLOKC (The Blockchain Lead Organization & Knowledge Center), said many skilled Filipino developers struggle to access the investment needed to scale their ideas.
“There are a lot of talents in the Philippines, but there are no investors. Our mission is to provide opportunities,” he explained.
Roxanne Aviñante, a senior science research specialist at DOST-ASTI, said the partnership focuses on blockchain due to its applicability in strengthening government processes and public trust.
The Aptos Foundation, which has committed to supporting education and skills development across the Asia-Pacific region, announced that it will work with local universities to help train engineers in emerging blockchain technologies.
Thomas Chou, the foundation’s regional head of marketing, confirmed that the collaboration aims to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent through academic partnerships.
The BLOKC, which has been engaged in blockchain education since 2017 through bootcamps and hackathons, will lead much of the training effort.
DOST-ASTI will coordinate links between developers, academia, and industry.
The Hiraya Network represents the Philippines’ latest step in positioning its workforce within the evolving global tech landscape.
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