Philippines: Innovating education with blockchain technology

Within the Philippines, counterfeiters are known to diagram openly in extinct downtown Manila on a stretch sarcastically known as “Recto University” between Claro M. Recto and Rizal Avenues. They diagram counterfeit diplomas, job references, and licenses without peril. A CNN Philippines article sums it up: “Whereas you might maybe perhaps well’t afford the time, curiosity, or money for a Manila college education, you might maybe perhaps well nonetheless buy a diploma for $US10 to $US60 in about two hours, though it received’t be decent.”

Consistent with such challenges, the Philippine Science High Faculty (PSHS), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has launched a cutting-edge undertaking: “Portable Digital Credentials for the Philippine Science High Faculty Blueprint Utilizing Blockchain” (Digi Cert). This initiative targets no longer handiest to modernize educational file management however also to bring together definite the integrity, accessibility, and global recognition of pupil credentials.

The hot paper-essentially essentially essentially based methodology of handling high college transcripts is stuffed with inefficiencies, errors, and vulnerabilities to fraud. Joel Bautista, Chief of the Files Innovation Division at DOST-Philippine Science High Faculty Blueprint, emphasizes the urgency for a grand digital resolution. He explains, “Digi Cert will streamline the strategy of soliciting for and verifying educational information thru an online-essentially essentially essentially based portal system.” This methodology is hosted on safe AWS servers and represents a first-rate shift from mature ideas.

Central to Digi Cert is blockchain technology, known for its immutable and clear nature. Bautista elaborates on its implementation: “We’re the bid of hashing and digital signatures on a public blockchain equipped by Twala. Every doc, whether or no longer it’s a transcript or diploma, receives a different identifier, guaranteeing its safety and authenticity.” This kind no longer handiest mitigates the hazards connected with paper information however also simplifies verification processes for both college students and educational institutions.

The come of Digi Cert coincides with a global vogue against blockchain purposes in education. Block Dojo Philippines innovator and founding father of CertifyEd, Gino Sampedro, echoes the importance of blockchain in verifying educational credentials: “Every time we bid about blockchain, we’re customarily guaranteeing the integrity of the classes. That the direction you indisputably took is legit.”

Sampedro’s startup, CertifyEd, will collaborate with institutions cherish De La Salle University to certify online classes the bid of blockchain, aligning carefully with the targets of Digi Cert.

At show, in beta sorting out, Digi Cert has received certain feedback from PSHS alumni and registrars, indicating high satisfaction and anticipation for its fleshy implementation. No topic policy integration and institutional adoption challenges, Bautista remains optimistic a pair of phased rollout origin early 2025, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. This meticulous manner ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks and secures the credibility of digital credentials.

The adoption of blockchain-essentially essentially essentially based credentials positions PSHS as a pioneer in educational innovation within the Philippines. By improving the credibility and accessibility of pupil information, Digi Cert facilitates seamless transitions for graduates into elevated education and the crew. It reinforces PSHS’s station as a premier establishment in science education within the ASEAN notify, aligning with global requirements and fostering have faith amongst stakeholders.

Reflecting on Digi Cert’s broader affect, Bautista highlights its contemporary recognition within the IEEE neighborhood: “Our research on Digi Cert used to be well-liked at an IEEE convention, highlighting its significance within the worldwide research neighborhood.” This milestone emphasizes the undertaking’s alignment with global research requirements and doable to book global educational practices.

Projects cherish Digi Cert are a testament to the transformative doable of blockchain technology in safeguarding educational achievements and combatting credential fraud. As DOST and PSHS prepare to originate this initiative, they modernize educational practices and uphold the integrity of the Philippine education system while bringing to fruition the authorities’s targets for digital transformation.

Peek: The Philippines is shifting toward blockchain-enabled tech