The Philippines has joined the rest of Asia in crypto adoption. Cryptocurrencies have entirely changed how we think about money and how traditional financial systems operate. The Philippines has established itself as a prospective player in the crypto industry, and the Blockchain Council there has been instrumental in promoting the uptake and comprehension of these virtual currencies.
The executive director of the Council, Ms. Maria Dela Cruz, believes that as the globe moves toward a decentralized future, crypto adoption in the Philippines will explode, ushering in a new era of financial inclusion and economic empowerment for its citizens.
Philippines blockchain and crypto adoption snowballing
The realm of crypto is no exception to the Philippines’ tradition of leading the way in embracing cutting-edge technologies. With more people, organizations, and institutions becoming aware of the potential advantages of digital assets over the past few years, the nation has seen a steady growth in crypto awareness and use.
Ms. Maria Dela Cruz thinks the country is well-positioned to take advantage of this technical advancement for its socioeconomic development.
As of 2021, the Filipino public discovered the play-to-earn (P2E) blockchain game Axie Infinity. According to estimates, developing countries account for 40 percent of the game’s player base. Lim claims that this allowed several Web3 concepts, such as crypto wallets, to enter the country.
Since then, according to the BCP executive, international companies have shown great enthusiasm for establishing themselves in the country. He explained that many international organizations are interested in establishing a foothold in the Philippines.
Blockchain adoption beyond cryptocurrencies
Although the crypto revolution has centered on cryptos, blockchain technology has enormous promise across various industries. The Philippines Blockchain Council, which aims to inform various sectors about the wide range of uses for blockchain technology, acknowledges this.
Blockchain can improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency across various sectors, including healthcare, real estate, and voting systems. The Council seeks to demystify blockchain technology and encourage its widespread adoption through workshops, seminars, and industrial partnerships.
The Council lays the groundwork for a more technologically advanced and sustainable Philippine economy by promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Lim claims that the demographics favor such businesses, as does the government’s attitude toward cryptos and blockchain technology, making the country an ideal environment for their growth. In his words:
Our government is reasonably transparent. We are not threatened by a government that seeks to restrict our activities. Because of this, we believe every blockchain and Web3 startup has a fair shot at success in the country.
Donald Lim
Despite the recent influx of Filipino merchants into the industry, Lim is skeptical that Filipinos will ever be able to make a living off of Bitcoin or other cryptos.
The executive emphasized that this could occur in four or five years, after which the entire infrastructure will have matured. This means crypto will be used for payments, purchasing nonfungible tokens, entering the metaverse, and other activities.
Challenges and the way ahead
Even though the future of crypto adoption is promising, the Philippines has its share of problems. One big worry is the number of scams and frauds that target people new to crypto. To fix this, the Philippines Blockchain Council has been running public awareness programs to teach people about possible risks and how to stay safe in crypto.
Another barrier to universal internet and digital device access is the need for more technological infrastructure in some areas. It is imperative to address this digital gap to ensure everyone can take advantage of the financial opportunities crypto offers.
The Philippines is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities presented by cryptos as they continue to gain popularity worldwide. The Philippines Blockchain Council, under the foresightful leadership of Ms. Maria Dela Cruz, plays a critical role in advancing crypto acceptance and advocating for the ethical application of blockchain technology.
A more equitable and prosperous future for all Filipinos is possible with the correct legal framework, public awareness programs, and measures to bridge the digital gap, leading to a snowball effect of crypto adoption.
