NDMU Leads Proof of Teach: A Two-Day Blockchain Training Empowering Educators Across Region 12 and BARMM

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), together with the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) Region 12, took the lead in organizing Proof of Teach: A Blockchain Development Workshop for Instructors. The event gathered more than 60 faculty members from 25 universities across Region 12 and Mainland BARMM at the Bro. Renato Cruz Dining Hall.

The two-day bootcamp, held in partnership with Ethereum Philippines (ETHPH), Davao DeFi Community, Certifika, and OpenxAI, empowered educators with both the knowledge and the tools to integrate blockchain technology into their teaching and research.

A Vision Beyond the Workshop

Unlike traditional training programs, Proof of Teach was designed as a multiplying force. By introducing instructors to Ethereum and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the initiative aimed to seed entire departments with the ability to teach blockchain development, turning classrooms into launchpads for future builders and innovators.

“NDMU is proud to serve as a hub for bridging the academe and on-chain innovation,” the organizers shared. “By equipping instructors, we empower thousands of students who will shape the digital future.”

Program Highlights

Day 1 featured a series of talks and workshops that highlighted the role of academe in advancing blockchain. Shyam opened with The Academe’s Role in the Ethereum Ecosystem, stressing how universities can anchor blockchain adoption in the Philippines. Shiv from BuidlGuidl followed with Speedrun Ethereum, a hands-on session using Scaffold-ETH to guide participants in building decentralized applications (dApps).

John Forfar of OpenxAI explored the synergy between blockchain and artificial intelligence, while Sam discussed Lido CSM. Rubz introduced ETHPH’s programs designed to strengthen local blockchain communities. Local builder Erich showcased an EVM project, inspiring participants with practical applications. The day concluded with Tin Erispe, Tech Lead of ETHPH, who unpacked EVM Fundamentals, including consensus mechanisms, blockchain data structures, and smart contract patterns.

Day 2 built on the momentum with the OpenxAI Workshop led by John Forfar, which deepened participants’ understanding of blockchain-AI integrations. A session on Solidity Basics equipped instructors with essential skills in Ethereum’s primary smart contract language. In the afternoon, discussions centered on tools and frameworks for teaching blockchain development, underscoring the initiative’s goal of fostering long-term sustainability within the academe.

NDMU as a Blockchain Education Hub

With Proof of Teach, NDMU and PSITE Region 12 have not only hosted an event but also sparked a movement in academic innovation. By positioning themselves as catalysts for blockchain education in Mindanao, they underscore their commitment to producing globally competitive graduates who can contribute to the evolving digital economy.

Through this initiative, NDMU, PSITE 12, and their partners have taken a crucial step toward transforming the academe into a driver of decentralized innovation, research, and industry collaboration.