LEGAZPI, Albay – The first-ever Bicol IT Conference (BITCON), highlighting the success stories of the homegrown information technology (IT) professionals in the Bicol region. Taking place on October 25^th at the Legazpi City Expo Center, BBC 2024 is part of a two-day gathering of tech and crypto enthusiasts, coinciding with the Bicol Blockchain Conference scheduled for October 26, 2024.

In collaboration with Bicol Expo & Events, Bicol Blockchain Community, LGU Legazpi, Bicol regional offices of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with Bicol IT Org Inc, and Bicol Blockchain Community, this event brings together government agencies, academe, industry professionals, and the local community to foster growth in the region’s tech and blockchain sectors.

Attendees will hear from industry thought leaders, homegrown IT professionals, and globally competitive crypto companies, opening doors to global opportunities for young and aspiring tech advocates.

Bicol IT Conference will gather blockchain experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and practical applications of blockchain technology.

Keynote speaker Harris Osiana, the Founding Chairman of Bicol IT Org Inc, will share the story of how IT communities are being built from the countryside supporting the aspiring IT students by providing seminars, workshops, hackathons, and bringing opportunities to the Bicol region.

Attendees can look forward to panels, networking opportunities, and insights into how each sector can work together in uplifting the local IT industry in the Bicol region. The discussions for the BITCON are primarily led by thought leaders from the Bicol region to provide attendees with a broader perspective of the industry.

This event aims to empower local entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, while showcasing Bicol’s potential as a hub for tech-driven innovation.

Speakers

Conference Speakers

Harris Osiana, Founding Chairman, Bicol IT Org. Inc
Bani Balaguer, Board Member, Bicol IT Org. Inc

Fireside Chat

Magno Nueca, CEO & Founder, NUECA Tindahan Tapat
Moderator: Mat Ivan Arquero, CTO, SparkPoint

Industry Panel

Henry Regondola, Board Member, Bicol IT Org. Inc | Founder & Head Consultant, Argon Software Services
Felix Zuniga, Board Member, Bicol IT Org. Inc
Harvey Javier, Head of Technology, Bicol IT Org Inc | CEO, SparkPoint Technologies
Will Anonuevo, Head of Creatives, Bicol IT Org | CEO, Reliance Philippines
Moderator: Ismael Jerusalem, President, Bicol IT Org. Inc

Academe Panel

Junel Labor, Postdoctoral Fellow, Aarhus University/ University of the Philippines Diliman
Dr. Benedicto Balilo, Bicol University, PSITE Region V
CODITE Representative
Moderator: Harris Osiana, Founding Chairman, Bicol IT Org Inc

Student Panel

Cyril Imperial, President, Bicol IT Student Council (Ateneo de Naga University)
Dimmie Eya Luces, Vice President, Bicol IT Student Council (CSPC)
Jhoana Sherry Paraiso, Events Lead, Bicol IT Student Council (Bicol University)
Moderator: Will Anonuevo, Head of Creatives, Bicol IT Org

Bicolanas in Tech Panel

Sachie Mitsui Turiano, President & CEO, Auctrix
Jessica Wong, Managing Director, Bicol Beyond Travel and Events
Jolei Astor, Senior Software Developer
Shenalyn Portugal, Founder, Big Boat Digital
Moderator: Chriz Luminario, Co-Producer, BITBFEX

Government Panel

DICT Region V representative
DTI Region V representative
Crestia Bañares, Project Leader, BiCoRSE / BU / SILIDELI
Joel Navarro, Regional Director, TESDA Region V
Moderator: Ismael Jerusalem, President, Bicol IT Org. Inc

Bicol IT Conference is sponsored by Bossjob, Coinex Charity, Ownly, SparkPoint, The GoodWill, Cheerz Studio, Global Miranda Mining Group, and Cryptobilis.