Philippine Department of Science and Technology spokesman Enrico Paringit said the department is launching a training program for in-house researchers to explore all possible options for using distributed ledger technology. Paringit focused the public's attention on the fact that the government's interest in blockchain has nothing to do with plans to launch any digital products.
A DOST employee emphasized that the main goal of the training program is to see and analyze the potential role of the blockchain in public sectors such as healthcare, emergency assistance, and providing financial support to the population. In addition, the man added that the authorities do not exclude the option of using distributed registry technology by government agencies when issuing visas, passports, and other documents.
Even though the blockchain has always, from the very beginning of its existence, been associated with cryptocurrencies, the plans of the Philippine government have absolutely nothing to do with digital assets.
“Yes, we are indeed considering the possibility of using blockchain in many areas of government activity. We plan to develop various apps that are useful for both citizens and officials, however, all these intentions have nothing to do with the topic of cryptocurrencies. Our main goal is to explore the possibilities of distributed registry technology, as well as to train specialized specialists who, thanks to the acquired skills, could strengthen, accelerate and improve the work of the state system of our country in the future,” Paringit emphasized.
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In this context, it is worth noting that the training program was originally intended to talk to specialists in the field of information technology. However, the work of the Department of Science and Technology has recently faced many problems, in particular, the lack of blockchain experts. Against this background, it was decided to change the "trajectory" of education, adding to the "accounting program" also the study of blockchain.
The Minister of Science and Technology of the Philippines Fortunato de la Peña himself expressed his point of view regarding the launch of a curriculum for the study of distributed registry technology.
“The Philippines must move forward. Blockchain is a modern and very necessary technology that needs to be developed in the country,” the man summed up.