BLOCKCHAINS AND BITCOINS (VERSION 2)

BLOCKCHAINS AND BITCOINS (VERSION 2)

There are major developments unfolding in the United States that we, as a nation, must watch closely. These aren’t just political shifts—they are technological game-changers that will, without doubt, influence our own future here in the Philippines.

At the center of these changes is none other than Elon Musk, who once took on an official role in President Donald Trump’s administration—as an adviser. Knowing Musk’s track record with Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, Neuralink, and his outspoken support for emerging tech like AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies, we saw how the U.S. government took on a much more aggressive stance on these technologies, even with his short stint.

That raises the critical question: Where does the Philippines stand in all of these?

Let’s take a step back. In the U.S., they don’t have a DICT like we do. What they have is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)—a policy-focused agency under the Department of Commerce. According to Microsoft Copilot, the NTIA ensures Americans have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet and works on policies that keep the digital space safe and secure.

More interestingly, they also have the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), housed directly under the White House. This office serves as the President’s principal science and tech adviser.

Now here's the part that concerns me: While the U.S. is preparing for the future, we in the Philippines seem to be stuck in the past.

The U.S. Congress is already holding hearings on how AI should be used and regulated. In contrast, our own Executive and Legislative branches have yet to even scratch the surface of these crucial topics. No hearings, no inter-agency dialogues, not even a hint of urgency. Are we just going to wait until it’s too late?

Let’s face it: blockchain technology is no longer optional. It’s not just about bitcoin or cryptocurrency. It’s about secure and transparent systems that can modernize everything from government procurement and land titles to elections and public records. The applications go far beyond finance.

As for AI and robotics, these are no longer future concepts—they’re today’s reality. Automation is already disrupting industries across the world. Shouldn’t we be preparing our workforce? Shouldn’t our education system be teaching the fundamentals of AI and machine learning? Shouldn’t we be protecting our industries and institutions from being left behind?

It’s disappointing, to say the least, that despite the Philippines having a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and a DICT, there is still seems to be no national strategy—not even a serious conversation—about these emerging technologies.

If no one else will take the initiative, I hereby express my willingness to organize a national advisory group, composed of scientists, engineers, technologists, economists, educators, and legal experts, to study and recommend policies to the government on blockchain, AI, cryptocurrency, and robotics. These are not passing trends; they are the pillars of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We must ask ourselves: Will we just watch while the world decides how these technologies will be used—or will we have the courage to shape our own future?

Let us not wait for other tech thinkers to influence the world before we react. Let us act now. Let us be proactive, not reactive. As always, my commitment remains to help move our country forward—intelligently, strategically, and patriotically.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

08-07-2025

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