Step into the future of blockchain on BASE—where Ethereum’s trailblazing past meets cutting-edge innovation.
The "Build on BASE" event in Davao brought together some of the brightest minds in the blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) space, showcasing how the BASE ecosystem is powering innovations while maintaining security and building on the principles of Ethereum's commitment to decentralization.
With Rubz Comms—head of the Davao DeFi Community—at the helm, the event delved into blockchain’s evolutionary journey, the transformative potential of decentralized platforms, and the opportunities awaiting developers, entrepreneurs, and even non-technical participants in the burgeoning Web3 economy.
A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future
Rubz Comms kicked off the event with an engaging historical overview of blockchain evolution, focusing on the transformative impact of Ethereum. He recounted the early days of Ethereum—from Vitalik Buterin’s groundbreaking vision in 2013 to its official launch in 2015—and explained how Ethereum’s robust, decentralized network laid the foundation for countless innovations.
Rubz emphasized that understanding the past is essential to navigating the future. He explained the emergence of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) that fueled the ICO boom, DeFi summers, and eventually exposed the scalability challenges inherent in a proof-of-work network.
These challenges, he noted, paved the way for Layer 2 solutions like BASE, designed to handle congestion and reduce high transaction fees while maintaining the security of Ethereum’s blockchain.
"There's a saying that you won't reach your goal if you don't look at the past."
The Shift from Centralization to Decentralization
Taking the discussion forward, Eli Becislao, BASE PH Country Lead, provided a detailed look at how the BASE ecosystem is revolutionizing the digital landscape in the Philippines. Eli stressed that the current internet, largely dominated by centralized platforms like AWS and Facebook, is fraught with risks—ranging from single points of failure to massive data breaches.
He highlighted how BASE offers an alternative: a decentralized, high-throughput network with low transaction fees that makes it accessible for both developers and non-developers alike. With over 20,000 active developers already part of the community, BASE is not only a technological platform but also a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and drives economic opportunities in the local market.
Eli also touched on the importance of community in this digital transformation. For him, the decentralized nature of BASE means that even non-technical individuals can contribute significantly.
Whether through content creation, community management, or entrepreneurial ventures, the BASE ecosystem is building an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate and grow within the crypto economy.
"What if one day Mark Zuckerberg decided, I don't want to do this anymore. And then he shut down the server of Facebook. What do you think will happen to your Facebook?"
Securing the Ecosystem: The Cybersecurity Imperative
No discussion on blockchain innovation would be complete without addressing security, and this was where Sir Doni Jaldon, a veteran cybersecurity expert and whitehat hacker, made his mark.
Sir Doni stressed that while decentralization brings unprecedented benefits, it also introduces new challenges, particularly around the security of smart contracts and DApps.
Drawing from his extensive experience in auditing protocols and participating in bug bounty contests, he highlighted the urgent need for more Filipino talent in the Web3 security space.
Sir Doni underlined that robust security measures are paramount for the longevity of any blockchain initiative. By regularly auditing code and exposing vulnerabilities, security researchers like him play a critical role in maintaining trust in decentralized systems.
His insights served as a wake-up call to aspiring developers and security professionals, emphasizing that innovation must be paired with vigilant protection to sustain the ecosystem’s growth.
"I see there are so many active... Bulgarians. And Bulgaria is a small country. We are a much bigger country than Bulgaria and yet I don't know of any other (or many) Web3 security researcher that is Filipino."
Innovating Financial Inclusion with Decentralized Marketplaces
Rounding out the speaker lineup, Sir Erich Liwag, founder and CEO of Rampz, presented a compelling case for decentralized finance (DeFi) as the future of financial inclusion. Sir Erich contrasted the vulnerabilities of centralized exchanges—citing recent hacks like the Bybit exploit, where billions were at risk—with the promise of decentralized, on-chain financial transactions.
Rampz, his brainchild, is designed to be a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace that eliminates the need for intermediaries. This approach not only minimizes custodial risks but also allows users to maintain control over their assets, a principle summarized succinctly by the adage, “Not your keys, not your crypto.”
Sir Erich’s personal journey from a non-technical background to a leading entrepreneur in the blockchain space resonated with many attendees. His story illustrated that passion and perseverance can overcome initial barriers to entry in the tech world.
By creating a platform that bridges traditional finance with decentralized solutions, Rampz is positioning itself as a critical player in the transition toward a more secure and efficient financial system.
"So, RAMPS, we are building a decentralized P2P market. So, we are currently bridging traditional finance to decentralized finance directly on-chain."
Addressing Regulations and the Gig Economy
The event’s interactive Q&A session provided further insights into the practical challenges and future opportunities in the blockchain space. The Block and Beyond asked questions about regulatory hurdles in the Philippines, especially regarding fiat transactions in decentralized platforms.
The panelists explained that because platforms like BASE operate on a peer-to-peer basis and do not hold custody of users’ funds, they currently navigate a regulatory gray area. Nonetheless, they emphasized that their teams are actively working with legal experts to ensure compliance as regulations evolve.
Another hot topic was the emergence of the gig economy within the Web3 landscape. Sir Eli discussed how decentralized platforms are creating flexible, gig-based opportunities for professionals, enabling multiple income streams and encouraging a shift away from traditional employment models.
This conversation underscored the broader impact of blockchain technology—not just as a tool for financial transactions, but as a catalyst for a more dynamic and inclusive economic ecosystem.
As local leaders like Rubz Comms, Eli Becislao, Sir Doni Jaldon, and Sir Erich Liwag shared their insights, it became clear that the path forward involves not just technological innovation, but also community empowerment and collaborative problem-solving.
Their discussions echoed a common sentiment: that the future of blockchain lies in its ability to blend the best of Ethereum’s pioneering legacy with the groundbreaking possibilities offered by modern decentralized platforms like BASE.
In Davao, the mix of real stories, fresh ideas, and hands-on discussions at the event painted a clear picture for the future of blockchain. It's not just about high-tech solutions—it's about creating better jobs, safer digital transactions, and opportunities for everyone.