DevFest Zamboanga Peninsula A Celebration of Tech and Innovation

Image from Google Developer Group Zamboanga Facebook Page

On November 23, 2024, the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City became a hub of creativity and collaboration as tech enthusiasts, developers, and innovators came together for DevFest Zamboanga Peninsula 2024 (DevFest ZamPen 2024). Hosted by Google Developer Groups and supported by local partners, the event offered a full day of thought-provoking discussions, technical deep dives, and exciting insights into the evolving world of technology.

The event kicked off with a session by Ralph Vincent J. Regalado, Founder of Senti AI, who explored how the Gemini API is revolutionizing document processing. Beyond the technical aspects, Ralph highlighted the importance of developer responsibility in managing how AI models respond to users, emphasizing that protecting users is a shared duty. This theme of ethical responsibility resonated throughout the day.

From there, the spotlight shifted to Gary Lloyd Senoc, a Software Engineer at Collabera Digital, who showcased the power of Firebase in simplifying both mobile and web development. Gary passionately explained how Firebase integrates essential tools and features, making it easier for developers to accelerate their projects without sacrificing quality. His session was a favorite among attendees eager to streamline their workflows.

AI innovation took center stage when Brian Tan Seng and Allan Daños of 98LABS shared how developers can deploy fine-tuned AI models on Google Cloud without a hefty price tag. Brian outlined the potential for cost-effective AI deployment, while Allan offered a practical demonstration of setting up a training environment using an NVIDIA GPU. Their session was both aspirational and practical, proving that even on a budget, groundbreaking AI projects are achievable.

Meanwhile, Andresito de Guzman, the Community Lead of PWA Pilipinas, captivated the audience with his talk on Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Andresito encouraged developers to elevate their web applications by embracing PWAs, which offer seamless distribution to multiple platforms. His session inspired attendees to think beyond traditional web development and explore how PWAs could expand the reach and impact of their projects.

The event closed on a reflective note with Clairizza V. Arcillas, a faculty member from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, who explored the nuances of interacting with AI. Clairizza delved into the art of asking the right questions to unlock AI’s potential, pointing out that while AI excels in logic, it often falters when confronted with human emotions. Her talk reminded everyone of the irreplaceable human touch in an increasingly digital world.

Throughout the day, a recurring theme emerged: the balance between innovation and responsibility. Whether it was AI, Firebase, or PWAs, each session underscored the importance of building technology that not only solves problems but also prioritizes users’ needs and ethical considerations.

DevFest ZamPen 2024 wasn’t just about technical knowledge—it was about fostering a thriving tech community in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The event brought together a diverse audience, reflecting the region’s commitment to inclusion and collaboration. From seasoned developers to aspiring tech enthusiasts, attendees left inspired, empowered, and excited about the possibilities ahead.

As the event concluded, one thing was clear: the future of technology in the Zamboanga Peninsula is bright, driven by a passionate community eager to innovate and make an impact. DevFest ZamPen 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was a celebration of what’s possible when people come together to share, learn, and grow.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andresito de Guzman is an Engineering Lead at The Outsource People and the Community Lead for PWA Pilipinas. With a degree in Human Biology from De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Andresito is passionate about creating great web experiences and fostering tech communities. Recognized as one of the PH100 2024 by StellarPH, he is also a co-host of the KaKaComputer podcast, where he discusses the latest in IT. Andresito's innovative projects, like Siyasat and Project Tren, showcase his commitment to solving real-world problems and promoting digital inclusion.

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