Filipinos possess great talent in technology, with a rich potential waiting to be harnessed for national growth and global impact. Yet, to fully realize this potential, the nation must foster innovation— a vision that propels progress, inclusivity, and sustainable development. The Philippine Coding Camp (PCC) carries this spirit, demonstrating how dedicated efforts in tech education can ignite a movement toward a smarter, more resilient Philippines. Through initiatives like Innovision 2025, PCC aims to shape a future where innovation becomes the guiding vision for Filipino youth and professionals alike.
L-R: Engr. Roel de la Cruz of Philippine Space Agency, Dr. Made Adi Paramartha Putra (Postgrad Director, Primakara University – Bali, Indonesia), Gabriel Sampedro (Philippine Coding Camp CEO and Founder), Prof. Arun Kumar Sangaiah (National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan)
Innovision 2025 is redefining the local technology landscape by emphasizing skills development that is inclusive and adaptable. The grassroots learning initiative started during the pandemic when PCC sought to bridge the widening learning gaps through after-class programs. As PCC CEO Gabriel Sampedro recounted, “We started during the pandemic by bridging the learning gaps through after-class programs. Now, we are present across the country, and we have more than 10,000 learners to date.” Since then, the organization has evolved from offering basic coding classes for children to partnering with major corporations and academic institutions to expand tech education nationwide. Notable partners include Toyota Motor Philippines, Japan Tobacco International, De La Salle University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University.
Held on May 30 and 31 at De La Salle University, InnoVision 2025 drew approximately 500 in-person and virtual attendees—comprising students, young professionals, educators, and industry leaders. The event featured distinguished international speakers, local tech experts, and government officials from agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Space Agency. What sets InnoVision apart is its open-door approach. “The event is not limited to IT professionals or experienced developers,” emphasized Sampedro. “Even those with no tech background but with a strong idea and the right collaborators are encouraged to join.” This inclusivity showcases PCC’s core belief that talent and innovation exist everywhere—in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—yet opportunity does not.
The focus on emerging technologies—AI, blockchain, space and satellite tech—demonstrates PCC’s ambition to expose Filipino youth to high-growth sectors. As Sampedro explained, “We’re bringing together different experts from different countries. We’ve flown in experts from Taiwan, Indonesia, and even our government partners. We’re bringing together different experts to help our efforts in upscaling the Philippines.” The goal is to cultivate future leaders who are not only proficient in technology but are also capable of spearheading innovation, regardless of their background.
Many of the event’s speakers hail from international institutions like Kumoh National Institute of Technology in South Korea and Telkom University in Indonesia, as well as local firms such as P&G and Lancaster Group of Companies. Sampedro shared, “InnoVision is our platform for bringing together different experts from different countries. We’ve flown in experts from Taiwan like Professor Arun, we’ve flown Professor Adi from Primakara University (Indonesia), and even our government partners. We’re launching a series of hackathons and workshops throughout the year in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, culminating in a grand event in Metro Manila.”
The target audience for InnoVision includes aspiring changemakers, future tech leaders, and students from various regions. “Our target market is not just IT professionals,” Sampedro noted. “We believe that innovation can happen even if you’re not from that background. As long as you have an idea, you can find like-minded people and develop that great idea yourself.” The event offers workshops and classes on critical emerging technologies such as AI and automation, blockchain & Web3, cloud computing, IoT, space and satellite tech, and generative AI.
In addition to technical skills, InnoVision emphasizes collaboration, idea generation, and inclusivity. It seeks to empower those with innovative concepts—regardless of their previous exposure to tech—to foster an ecosystem where ideas turn into impactful solutions. “As idea-based startups, meaning they haven’t done anything yet. As long as you have a great idea, you can come join the event,” highlighted Sampedro. Such initiatives are vital in unleashing the creativity of Filipinos and integrating more diverse voices into the tech industry.
The overarching vision of InnoVision 2025 is to position Filipino talent at the forefront of the global digital industries. By bridging academia and industry through conferences, hackathons, and pitching competitions, the project aims to spark real-world change and innovation. “InnoVision is a movement for innovation with purpose,” asserted Sampedro. “It’s about building a future shaped by technology, resilience, and inclusive growth.”
The Philippine Coding Camp’s commitment to fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem embodies the belief that innovation is a collective effort. As PCC continues to grow and expand its initiatives, it envisions a Philippines where talent knows no regional boundaries and where young Filipinos are equipped to lead in the fast-evolving digital world. Through education, collaboration, and forward-thinking events like InnoVision 2025, PCC is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, innovative future rooted in Filipino ingenuity and resilience.
The journey of PCC and InnoVision reflects a broader truth – talent is everywhere in the Philippines and what is needed is opportunity and a platform to nurture that talent. By championing inclusivity, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering collaboration across regions and borders, the Philippines can harness its vast potential to become a key player in the global digital economy.
