The Bull or Bear: Philippine Web3 Debate 2023 is a grand debate that focuses on Web3 technologies and what it takes for the country to be at the forefront of it.

Despite being one of the countries that stood at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption—with familiarity with the metaverse being the highest at 38% and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) at 35%—the Philippines has a limited understanding of Web3 technology. In fact, a study by blockchain firm ConsenSys and international online research data and analytics technology group YouGov revealed that Filipinos have a limited understanding of Web3 technology, given that only 25% of respondents are familiar with it.

This, according to the same study, can be attributed to reasons like “limited opportunities to explore new technology, a culture of collectivism, lack of government regulations, and the need for education and inclusive learning materials.“

With that in mind, a Filipino educational technology (EduTech) platform Bitskwela debuted its series of Web3 debates—aptly called Bull or Bear. A coming-together of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists, these Web3 debate series focus on complex issues about this kind of disruptive technology.

Given the notable success of its two side events, which took place on June 9 and 16, the event will all culminate into a grand debate: the “Bull or Bear: Philippine Web3 Debate 2023,” which is set to take place this July 15, 2023, at 5 PM, at the Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City.

“We are thrilled to expand the Bull or Bear franchise to the Visayas, following our successful events in NCR, Luzon, and Mindanao. Cebu, with its vibrant Web3 community, was the perfect starting point for our Visayas leg. We are excited to push the limits and deliver an exceptional experience for the Web3 enthusiasts in Cebu,” says Camille Puentespina, the Chief Product and Tech Officer of Bitskwela.

What to Expect in Bull or Bear: Cebu Edition

Dubbed “Web3: The New Internet—A Debate on Web3 Adoption in the Philippines,” Bitskwela’s grand debate aims to facilitate the discussion surrounding the adoption of Web3 technologies and what it takes for the country to be at the forefront of it.

Key speakers for this event include Dr. Donald Lim from the Philippine Blockchain Council; Coach Miranda Miner of the Global Miranda Miner Group; Tyrone Bretana from Tier One Alliance; Nathan Senn from Hive & DBuzz; content creator Giu Comia; and creativepreneur Ashtley Sandoval.

Given the government’s desire for the advancement of Web3 in the country, it will be showing its support through Cebu City 2nd District Congressman Edu Rama, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Director Emmy Delfin, and Engr. Royden Rusiana from DICT Cebu.

“The Department of Information and Communications Technology is driven to support the Web3 debate, Bull or Bear, by our strong conviction in the transformative capacity of new technologies like Web3 and blockchain,” says Delfin, according to a statement from the DICT office.

“We see these digital innovations as key catalysts reshaping various sectors, and this debate serves as an ideal platform to stimulate meaningful discourse on the opportunities and challenges related to their adoption in the Philippines,” he adds.

The Importance of Understanding Web3 in the Philippines

But what is Web3 and why is it even important to learn about it? A “catch-all term for the vision of a new, better internet,” Web3 is a more decentralized system that gives users the freedom to build, operate, and own their assets. It does this through the use of technologies like blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs, which can be owned.

And given how Filipinos regularly deal with cryptocurrency, NFTs, and other assets, it is important to understand the semantics of how these work and how they can better leverage it—whether for personal use or even for their businesses.

“At Bitskwela, our mission of ‘helping people own a piece of the internet’ goes beyond mere access but is about empowering individuals with a deep understanding of what that ‘piece’ truly represents and equipping them with the knowledge to seize it,” Bitskwela Chief Operating Officer Vince Edralin says.

“Through our ongoing efforts, we aim to arm individuals with invaluable information, enabling them to seize their stake in the digital realm and shape a future where internet ownership becomes a tangible reality for all,” he adds.

Key Partners and Organizations

Bull or Bear: Cebu edition will be hosted and moderated by Kish Morales and is likewise co-presented by GCash and Blockceler8 by Uniquecorn Strategies. What’s more, the event is supported by the DICT, Go Digital Pilipinas, Ayala Malls, Philippine Airlines, and Sphera Solutions.

Other key partners include:

• Bitget: a top crypto exchange and copy trading platform helping users trade smarter by providing a secure, one-stop trading solution
• Tekkon: a Web3 app that promotes social good by empowering users to help fix their local community’s infrastructure
• Hive: a firm that is changing social media with blockchain tech
• CoinW Exchange: a world-class integrated trading platform.

The event offers limited seating with slots running out fast. For those who are interested to participate, you may reserve your slot at https://www.bitskwela.com/bull-or-bear.