Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 opened with more than a conference—it sparked a national conversation on the future of trust in the digital age.
Held on June 19 at the SMX Convention Center, “Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance” brought together senior officials from government, regulators, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, cybersecurity firms, technology organizations, and enterprises to explore a critical question: How can technology help governments earn trust—not just promise it?
Discussions converged on a central theme: how trust is becoming national infrastructure. Speakers explored how blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity can work together to strengthen transparency, improve public services, enhance business resilience, and increase confidence in the digital economy.
The forum assembled leaders from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Maharlika Investment Corporation, Philippine Councilors League (PCL), UnionBank, Globe Telecom, DITO Telecommunity, Philippine Seven Corporation (7-Eleven), Fintech Alliance Philippines, Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP), and other organizations helping shape the country’s digital future.
Integrity Chain MOU
In his keynote address, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol emphasized that emerging technologies have entered a new phase—one focused on deployment rather than experimentation. He highlighted the Integrity Chain, a collaboration among the DICT, the BCP, and industry partners aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust through blockchain-enabled systems.
The initiative was further discussed during a panel featuring leaders from DICT, DBM, BCP, and Fintech Alliance Philippines, culminating in the signing of the Integrity Chain Memorandum of Understanding, a tangible demonstration of government and industry collaboration.
Highlighting the importance of the MOU, BCP Chair Donald Lim said: “The future belongs to countries that can build trust at scale.”
Real-world applications
Beyond blockchain, the summit examined trust across multiple sectors. Discussions explored the growing role of tokenized real-world assets and how digital innovation can expand investment opportunities while maintaining investor protection.
Maharlika Investment Corporation CEO Rafael Consing Jr. examined the relationship between trust, policy certainty, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Executives from UnionBank, DITO Telecommunity, and Philippine Seven Corporation shared how organizations are embedding trust into digital transformation through stronger governance, cybersecurity, and customer confidence.
A major focus of the forum was the role of local governments in digital transformation. Through a keynote and panel led by Philippine Councilors League Chair Atty. Raul Corro, government and private-sector leaders discussed how cities and municipalities can use technology to improve transparency, service delivery, and citizen engagement. The conversations reinforced the importance of local governments in translating national digital policies into services that citizens can trust.
Breaking barriers through collaboration
Future of Trust enabled government leaders, regulators, and industry executives to shape the future together through meaningful conversations. An apt opener for Philippine Blockchain Week’s fifth year, the forum signaled a broader ambition: for the Philippines to be not just a participant in the global technology conversation, but a proving ground for trusted innovation, digital governance, and real-world technology adoption.
Philippine Blockchain Week President and Co-Founder Janelle Barretto said: “When government regulators, industry leaders, technology experts, and engaged citizens have meaningful conversations, meaningful change becomes possible.”
