Unlocking potential: How Bataan is shaping the next wave of blockchain tech innovation

Bataan is a province in the Central Luzon Region of the Philippines that is striving to become a leader in the country’s emerging technology sector, supporting technologies like blockchain.

The Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB), with a GDP of PHP 297,930 ($5,144) per capita, is considered to be one of the richest provinces in the Southeast Asian nation, according to a 2023 report by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) based on economic data collected on 82 provinces and 17 cities outside Manila.

With this wealth, the province is known as a “significant player in the Philippine industrial scene” thanks to the vast array of projects and businesses happening in Balanga—the province capital—and the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

Last May 16, the second cohort of the Block Dojo Philippines, who happened to be doing their bootcamp in Bataan, got to witness the province’s projects and dive into its local startup scene.

Who is Block Dojo, and what are they up to?

Block Dojo is a global venture builder originating in the United Kingdom with 68 startups, 3000+ angel connections, and 200 capital connections. The venture builder seeks early-stage startups and accelerates their businesses with 12 weeks of rigorous training, which provides them access to investment funding rounds.

Early this year, Block Dojo branched out of the U.K. to help Filipinos build their businesses with blockchain integration in mind. In March, three successful startups graduated thanks to Block Dojo Philippines’ efforts.

“Here’s the thing: more than 90% of the time, startups die in the next two years,” says Block Dojo Philippines’ managing director Kristoffer Briones during their recent visit to the Bunker, Bataan’s capitol building.

Bringing in the analogy of risking your life in a surgery that only has a 90% success rate, Briones likened this to business ventures that have no assurance that they would be flying in the next five or ten years.

“What we’re here for is when they take the leap of faith, we’re able to support them,” he told the attendees of the LGU visit comprising of the nine Block Dojo Philippines cohort 2, local Bataan startup Keri, and students and faculty from ACLC Balanga.

Introducing the startup scene in Block Dojo and Bataan

Following Briones’ quick intro to who Block Dojo is, the cohorts of the second Block Dojo Philippines bootcamp promoted their unique venture ideas to everyone.

Unlike the previous founders from Cohort 1, who dabbled into industries like real estate, logistics, and education, the second cohort delves into a wide range of businesses involving mental health, food, fitness, certification, digital identity, transportation, rental, subscription, and crafts.

Following the Cohorts’ elevator pitch, ReGen introduced their company.

ReGen, which stands for REnt Solar GENerator, is a startup committed to providing sustainable, renewable energy solutions.

Currently in the proposal stage with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Philippines, ReGen’s solar-powered generators promised 5X more savings than traditional gas generators, a higher conversion rate, plug-and-play features, and ten years of ensured reliability. They are currently experimenting with incorporating IoT and blockchain into the startup’s new stages.

Bataan at the forefront of technological advancements

After a sumptuous lunch, Abul Khayr Alonto II, the Department Head of the PGB, takes the audience on a tour toward the different projects of PGB made possible through the Public Private Partnership Investment Center—an agency that pursues and manages works in infrastructure, development, investment, environmental, and governance framework of the Province of Bataan.

“Bataan is an investment destination of choice,” Alonto began his presentation. “Currently, we are the most business-friendly province in the country as rated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

Critical to the PGB’s development, the Public Private Partnership Investment Center designed and built the Bunker—which cost them over PHP 900 million ($15 million)—to be a one-stop shop for all residents’ needs.

Some other projects the agency is looking into are the creation of the Bataan-Cavite interlink bridge, hotel, convention center, and another government building where the province’s Hall of Justice and Medical Center will be built.

For the startup ecosystem, Alonto emphasized that they are very open to technological development as it is the first province globally that accepts projects for blockchain:

“[For startup sectors], you can register here in Bataan and apply for the incentives accepted by the freeport. Our Freeport Area of Bataan is the only regulatory body right now, globally, that entertains blockchain development.”

The day ended with the startups’ trip to the Bunker’s rooftop to see the beautiful skyline of the province overlooking Mount Samat and the city of Balanga. In the afternoon, Block Dojo Cohort 2 enjoyed a relaxing yacht cruise before going back to the resort as another day awaits to end the second bootcamp.

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Watch Global Blockchain Summit highlights: Bataan wants to usher in the golden age of tech in Philippines