Filipino-led EduTech firm Bitskwela has launched a blockchain-enabled developer microlearning (DML) platform called “BitDev”, which streamlines the complex process of creating, testing, and deploying Web3 applications for aspiring or learning software developers.
The firm said in a statement on last Friday that the release of BitDev addresses the gap identified by the 2023 report on Worldwide Blockchain and Web3 Developer Statistics, which shows that only 203 of 190,000 software developers in the Philippines focus on blockchain development.
With its mission to provide insightful education on Web3, BitDev aims to resolve this shortage of blockchain developers in the country by transforming existing Filipino Web2 developers into ready Web3 builders.
“At Bitskwela, we believe in bridging the gap by tapping into the potential of our already talented Filipino Web2 developers,
“Our vision is to transform the Philippines into a hub of world-class blockchain builders, and the BitDev platform is a step closer towards that,” said Jiro Reyes, Bitskwela’s Chief Executive Officer.
Using a blockchain-enabled, specialized software called an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) already implemented by global developers, BitDev intends to address real-life challenges that prevent Filipino web developers from engaging with Web3 technology.
This includes bridging the high learning curve of core concepts, aiding developers to understand language constructs during syntax building and compiling, and teaching users how to manage “gas fees” when using blockchain.
“BitDev is designed by developers for developers. Our goal is to make the platform as easy as possible to navigate the world of Web3,
“This achievement marks Bitskwela’s role in making the Philippines keep up with the rising blockchain technology throughout the globe,” said Camille Puentespina, Bitskwela’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, explained.
Through BitDev, new developers can learn how to create their own real-life Web3 projects, such as web or mobile applications, smart contracts, blockchains, cryptocurrency wallets, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and decentralized apps (DApps).
This is made possible through a Live Editor tool, which enables developers a hands-on coding experience, as well as the usage of various programming and scripting languages, including Javascript, CSS, HTML, Python, Solidity, and Move.
These languages are also used in the available Web2 development courses offered as well in BitDev, further bridging the gap between Web2 developers and Web3 developers.
Moreover, Bitskwela has partnered with local universities such as Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. (DYCI) and the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) to bring BitDev closer to Information Technology (IT) students.
“The partnership of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. with the visionary Bitskwela is a breakthrough in advancing blockchain technology. It excellently and effectively addresses critical social concerns of transparency, accountability, and integrity through an advanced and modern approach,
“Teaching this to the youth will make them the vanguards of truth and integrity at present and in the future,” said Michael Yanga, president of DYCI.
Bitskwela aims to integrate its platform into these universities’ curricula, equipping students with self-paced technical modules, blockchain-issued certifications, and the opportunity to develop their own Web3 applications.
“By enhancing digital literacy among future web developers, BitDev increases the employability of Filipino information technology (IT) students—all while encouraging their participation in the expansion of blockchain development in the Philippines,” said Vince Edralin, Bitskwela’s Chief Operating Officer.