Baguio City accelerates Smart City status through Bitskwela debate
PHILIPPINE-BASED education platform Bitskwela elevates Baguio’s transformation to a Smart City through the “Bull or Bear: Philippine Web3 Debate,” highlighting the potential of Web3 to drive technological-based governance, reforms, and innovations in the city and across local governments all over the country.
Held at the University of the Cordilleras on March 15, 2024, Bitskwela’s sixth Bull or Bear debate, themed “Web3 in Baguio,” served as a melting pot for different stakeholders, enthusiasts, and students to engage in an open discussion on the pros and cons of blockchain-related technologies.
With a leveled understanding, Baguio citizens are able to make wellinformed decisions when engaging with the Web3 space.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who is leading the charge to classify Baguio as a full-fledged Smart City by 2027, underscored the significance of the event.
“This debate represents a pivotal step forward in our journey toward becoming a Smart City. By learning how to harness the transformative power of Web3 technology, we are not just envisioning a future of advanced governance and innovation but actively building it. Collaborations like these are crucial for us to realize a more connected, efficient and inclusive city for all our residents,” he said.
“The goal of the Baguio Smart City project is to leverage emerging technologies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, to enact good governance. Alongside the tech-savvy population of Baguio, emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies potentially play as a strong complement to sectors such as tourism management and citizen welfare,” Bitskwela CEO Jiro Reyes said.
The debate featured leaders and experts in blockchain, technology and innovation, including Christopher Star of Web3PH, Paolo Dioquino of DeFi Philippines, Henry James of Bitshares Labs, Pat Arro of Polkadot SEA and Van Orpilla of Google Developers Group Baguio.