### The Launch of the Philippine Blockchain Industry Report 2025
The Blockchain Council of the Philippines, in collaboration with Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, the Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, and Tether, has made waves by launching the **Philippine Blockchain Industry Report 2025**. This unprecedented benchmarking study assesses the country’s blockchain ecosystem, comparing it against its peers in the ASEAN region.
### Maturing Blockchain Sector
The report reveals a growing maturity in the Philippines’ blockchain sector, which had previously been dominated by cryptocurrencies and play-to-earn (P2E) gaming. In the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index, the Philippines was ranked eighth, reflecting its prominence in the global arena. Notably, local startups such as Yield Guild Games (YGG) have garnered international attention, successfully raising $4.6 million from the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. However, the narrative is expanding beyond gaming; blockchain applications are now venturing into remittances, decentralized finance, digital identity, and logistics.
### Awareness and Trust Levels
Despite impressive statistics, there’s a noticeable knowledge gap among Filipinos. While 96 percent of the population is aware of cryptocurrencies, only 28 percent are familiar with Web3. Moreover, research indicates that 53 percent of Filipinos have yet to experiment with blockchain applications. On a positive note, trust in blockchain technology is on the rise, with 74 percent of respondents expressing confidence in its security measures.
### Insights from Industry Leaders
Mark Gorriceta, managing partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, described the report as both a “diagnostic and a roadmap.” He emphasized that it provides legal, technological, and economic insights aimed at building a safe, innovative, and future-ready digital landscape in the Philippines. The study proposes five key actions necessary for advancing the blockchain ecosystem:
1. **Broadening regulatory support** beyond cryptocurrency.
2. **Creating innovation sandboxes** that allow for safe experimentation.
3. **Enhancing public-private partnerships** in educational initiatives.
4. **Developing blockchain literacy** and skill sets.
5. **Encouraging government adoption** of digital services.
### A Milestone for the Digital Philippines
Donald Lim, president of DITO CME and founding president of the Blockchain Council, hailed the publication of the report as a significant achievement in the collective quest for a digitally empowered Philippines. Its launch was paired with the **Block Awards 2025**, an annual ceremony recognizing leaders in the blockchain space. This year’s awards included new categories such as Youth Excellence, Community, and Regional Awards, offering broader national engagement.
### Recognizing Leadership in Blockchain
At the ceremony, the top honors were presented to former Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Jocelle Batapa Sigue and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Emilio Aquino, each acknowledged as **Blockchain Leaders of the Year** for their contributions to the private and public sectors. Aquino mentioned, “This award tells me that the effort to innovate — especially in government — is worth it,” stressing the importance of listening and proactive leadership.
Sigue expressed that her recognition represents every leader devoted to embracing innovation’s whispering potential, highlighting that blockchain’s true promise lies in serving communities and the nation.
### Honoring Innovators and Trailblazers
Additional recognitions went to CoinsPH for **Best Web3 Customer Experience** and Pitaka.io as the **Most Innovative Blockchain Project**. Regional champions like Kookoo Crypto and the Davao DeFi Community were also celebrated, alongside Web3 Youth Advocate Gelo Wong and Coach Miranda Miner, awarded as the **Blockchain Educator of the Year**.
The awards jury, chaired by GCash’s Luis Buenaventura and composed of past award winners and blockchain leaders, introduced a public voting component this year, significantly enhancing community involvement.
### Unique Recognition Through Art
In a blend of tradition with modernity, this year’s winners were honored with exclusive NFT trophies. These unique digital artworks merge the abstract style of National Artist Jose Joya with the vibrant visuals created by his grandnephew, Andre Baldovino.
Donald Lim concluded that the **Block Awards** is not merely a celebration but rather a “call to action.” With the world advancing further into the digital domain, the Philippines aims not just to follow but to lead in the blockchain revolution.