Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) successfully completed its first-ever Blockchain Xcellerator Experts Program as it introduces a new wave of expert blockchain educators who will inspire future talents in the Philippines.

A total of 52 blockchain cadets made it all the way to the end of the program, graduating in a ceremony at UnionBank Plaza in Pasig City last 23 November and of this number, 28 were awarded Blockchain Expert certificates as proof of their in-depth knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology.

The rest, on the other hand, were awarded Certificates of Participation for finishing the program, giving them an edge over IT professionals who have yet to learn blockchain programming.

As part of the eight-week program, the participants were tasked to form groups and develop real-world use cases for blockchain to be presented to a panel of blockchain experts, with cash prizes waiting for the top three pitches. Prior to the graduation and the awarding of certificates, the bank held a final pitch wherein 12 groups presented the use cases that they have developed during the program.

Nabbing the top spot was Team Sybillian, which won a cash prize of P50,000 for their platform Educado, which utilizes blockchain to make it easier for students to secure funding for their studies.

Team Ardeidae won second place and a cash prize of P30,000 for their platform Mugi, which verifies the authenticity and quality assurance of produce, while Team STI H.O. won third place and a cash prize of P20,000 for the platform CPD Credit Checker, which makes authenticating, tracking and transferring Continuing Professional Development Units more efficient and secure.

In her speech during the ceremony, UnionBank senior vice president and Human Resources director Michelle Rubio thanked the participants for joining the program and urged them to use their knowledge in molding future blockchain professionals and in turn, help the country build its blockchain workforce.

“We hope that you will all be able to help in nurturing future blockchain talents in the country,” Rubio said.