University of Luzon Students Lead Regional Web3 Innovation at Hack the Chain Workshop

The University of Luzon (UL) College of Computer Studies (CCS) recently concluded a highly successful five-day intensive workshop, “Hack the Chain – Episode 2 (Viction Edition),” which commenced on July 9, 2025, and was held at the Makerspace Innovhub in Mapandan, Pangasinan. The event served as a critical launchpad for Luzonians, immersing them in the foundational and technical aspects of blockchain technology and the decentralized future of Web3, underscoring the University’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technological education. The workshop commenced with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of blockchain technology, ensuring participants grasped the function and significance of decentralized systems in the modern digital ecosystem. Early sessions provided an essential foundation in the languages underpinning this technology, such as Solidity, and explored how the Viction platform facilitates secure and efficient Web3 innovation. Under the expert mentorship of Tzar Umang, Day 2 escalated the practical learning curve. Participants delved into deployment mechanics using Remix IDE, gaining hands-on knowledge of the VRC25 Token Contract and its complex fee mechanisms. Crucially, the sessions covered essential interaction methods with smart contracts, including reading and writing data, and integrated the use of industry-standard tools like Visual Studio Code for developing robust Web3 solutions.

Mid-week marked a pivotal shift from theoretical learning to project development and the integration of crucial business-oriented skills. Day 3 saw the students transition into prototyping their own blockchain initiatives, guided by Mr. Tzar Umang in the effective use of Firebase Studio. Recognizing that technical skill must be paired with market strategy, the day included specialized presentations: Aldrin Taccayan provided key insights into the marketing landscape, while Patrik Ferrer introduced the operational power of OKX within the Web3 space. Furthermore, Jayrald Malong presented “The Viction Imperative,” highlighting the necessary role of design thinking in creating viable, user-centric decentralized solutions. The workshop culminated on the fifth day with the highly anticipated project competition and final pitch presentations. Following an intense Day 4 dedicated to rapid development and prototyping, teams had honed their concepts into functional, blockchain-based solutions. The presentations to the distinguished panel of judges, which included Dr. Diosdado C. Caronongan, Dean of the College of Computer Studies, showcased a remarkable display of innovation, spanning decentralized applications, smart contract utility, and creative real-world blockchain use cases. The high energy and polished presentations reflected the substantial growth and collaborative spirit nurtured throughout the week, significantly aided by the dedicated support of mentors Sir Andrew Caronongan and Sir Cee Jay Lomibao.

A critical highlight of the final day was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the University of Luzon and Makerspace Innovhub. This significant collaboration, formalized by Dr. Diosdado C. Caronongan, Dean of the CCS, underscores a strategic alignment aimed at fostering deeper industry-academic synergy and driving local technological innovation. Dr. Caronongan was also formally recognized for his valuable contribution as an official judge and his sustained support for the participants’ development throughout the entire event. The entire “Hack the Chain” initiative strongly aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating the University of Luzon’s commitment to global development benchmarks. By providing advanced, hands-on training in emerging fields like blockchain, the workshop directly addresses SDG 4: Quality Education, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for Luzonians in highly relevant technological domains. Furthermore, the focused effort on prototyping novel, decentralized solutions and the formal partnership established through the MOA signing significantly advance SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation within the region. Finally, equipping students with high-demand Web3 skills prepares them for the digital economy, directly contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The event successfully served as a comprehensive launchpad, preparing the next generation of technologists to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and decentralized future.