If you think NFTs are just about overpriced JPEGs, you haven’t met NFT Davao. While the rest of the world debates whether NFTs are dead, this community is proving they are just getting started.
Some still associate NFTs with overpriced digital art, but NFT Davao is redefining this notion. Under Churchill Brizuela’s leadership, the community has explored blockchain’s potential in governance, finance, and security.
From empowering artists to introducing blockchain solutions to local government, NFT Davao is proving that the technology for NFTs is more than just for collectibles.
"At first, that’s the only thing we knew that NFT is all about art… Later, I learned that it's not just an art or a digital art collectible."
As the community grew, so did its ambitions. What began as a support system for digital and traditional artists evolved into something far more expansive, embracing the full potential of blockchain technology.
Expanding NFT Use Cases Beyond Art
NFT Davao quickly became a hub for deeper discussions on Web3 applications beyond art. As Brizuela delved further into blockchain, he realized that the technology behind NFTs had applications in security, finance, and even real-world asset tokenization.
One of the most significant shifts was in NFT ticketing and membership programs, where physical cards tied to NFT ownership unlocked real-world perks. But NFT Davao's most intriguing venture lies in local governance, an area Brizuela hinted at but could not fully disclose due to ongoing agreements.
"We have a project here in Davao supported by the LGU… Hopefully, the NFT will be used for that project. Let’s just wait and see."
This signals a growing openness from local government units toward blockchain adoption, particularly for security and transparency.
The Challenge of "NFT is Dead"
Despite growing use cases, the NFT market has faced skepticism, especially after the boom of 2021 faded. Many dismissed NFTs as a passing trend, but NFT Davao stood firm, focusing on education and long-term value rather than speculation.
"'NFT is dead,' that’s what you always hear before… But what we do is we educate them and give some awareness on why there’s really an NFT. It’s not just an art collection."
But instead of walking away, NFT Davao doubled down, turning doubt into an opportunity to educate and innovate. By consistently engaging with the community and showcasing practical applications, NFT Davao has remained relevant even through market downturns.
Beefing Up Cybersecurity with Blockchain
At its core, blockchain is built on security, transparency, and decentralization, making it an attractive solution for industries that require trust and immutability. Unlike traditional databases that can be changed or hacked, blockchain records are secure and cannot be easily altered.
This makes NFTs reliable for proving ownership, since each one is unique and transparent. Whether used for digital assets, identity verification, or government records, blockchain ensures authenticity and prevents fraud.
This security feature is what makes NFTs valuable beyond art, as each token is unique, verifiable, and cannot be duplicated, ensuring authenticity in digital ownership. Whether for digital assets, identity verification, or government records, blockchain’s non-fungibility and transparency offer a trustless system that reduces fraud and enhances accountability.
Security: Blockchain's Entry into Local Governance
One of the most compelling aspects of NFT Davao’s work is its potential to shape governance and security. Brizuela pointed out that governments are increasingly drawn to blockchain for its security advantages rather than its financial benefits.
"The main pivotal for them is the security… Because whether you like it or not, whatever security you put in, if you’re really on the web, whatever firewall you put in, if you really want it, you can really attack it."
Through projects involving protocols like the Internet Computer Protocol, NFT Davao has helped introduce blockchain-based security measures to local government offices.
NFT Davao is more than just a community for NFT artists, it is an evolving force in Web3 adoption. From tokenizing assets to integrating blockchain in governance, Brizuela and his team are demonstrating that NFTs are not dead, they are simply evolving.
With new projects in the works and local government collaborations unfolding, NFT Davao is far from done. As blockchain adoption grows in the Philippines, Brizuela and his team are not just witnessing the shift but leading it.
