Vertex AI Hands-on Labs Champion Melissa Mae Miranda (middle) from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila hard at work on her Gen AI application, seated with her schoolmates.
In a world increasingly driven by data and artificial intelligence (AI), Globe Telecom is stepping up to equip young Filipinos with the skills needed to thrive in the digital era.
Through its “Data and Analytics for Good” initiative, Globe fosters innovation, provides hands-on experiences, and empowers the next generation of tech leaders to build solutions for real-world challenges.
As part of this effort, Globe joined forces with industry giants Google and AWS to host a series of lectures and hackathons for university students.
These events allowed participants to engage with cutting-edge AI technologies, learn from experts, and create applications with a meaningful impact.
AWS Sr. Solutions Architect and event host Francis Valbuena; Globe x AWS Party Rock champions from Asia Pacific College Jacob Angelo De Villa, Brylle Ace M. Nuñez, Danziel Cempron, Michael Vinz Tapiru, and Janson Crisostomo Pagharion; Globe Strategic Analytics Manager Titus Jungao; Globe Solutions Architect Sr. Manager Rhea Lucas; and Globe Data Operations Expert and event host Kit Dela Rosa.
A fusion of data and AI
Under the theme “Fusion of D.AI.TA,” the programs emphasized the integration of data and AI, showcasing the transformative potential of generative AI in modern applications.
Jenny Echevarria, vice president of enterprise data and strategic services at Globe, highlighted the initiative’s purpose, “Our focus is always on leveraging our resources to address challenges faced by Filipinos. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire students to pursue data science and AI careers right here in the Philippines.”
GenAI lecture and hands-on labs
The first event, hosted at The Globe Tower, brought together students and faculty from eight universities for the “Google Analytics and GenAI Lecture & Vertex AI Hands-on Labs.”
Participants explored the capabilities of Google’s AI-powered tools, such as BigQuery, BigQueryML, and Looker, under the guidance of experts like Arvind Dhariwal and Keelia Tang.
The day culminated in a hackathon featuring Google’s Gemini AI Agent Builder, where students designed innovative AI applications. Melissa Mae Miranda, a computer science student from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, emerged as the winner with a dynamic search application that utilized datasets accessed via an API.
“It was amazing to see how easily we could manage data and create a GenAI app using Vertex AI,” said Miranda. “I wish I had discovered it sooner!”
Leveling up with AWS: PartyRock Battle
Building on this momentum, Globe hosted “Innovate with Data: AWS PartyRock Battle,” engaging 148 students and faculty from 18 universities across the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON.
AWS Enterprise Solutions Architect Rom Gapuz introduced participants to data visualization and machine learning through a hands-on workshop.
Following this, students competed in a high-energy hackathon using PartyRock, AWS’s no-code platform for AI-generated applications.
A standout team from Asia Pacific College clinched first place with their app Edu-Creator. The app aims to ease the workload of K-12 teachers by generating quizzes, exams, and other classroom materials using AI tools like Claude.
“Initially, we designed our program for science teachers. But through collaboration, we expanded it to benefit a broader audience, especially Filipino educators,” said Janson Crisostomo Pagharion, a winning team member.
Patricia Gamboa, principal account director at AWS, expressed excitement about the partnership, “Through collaborations like this, we’re exposing students to the transformative power of AI, preparing them to shape the future.”
Bridging academia and industry
These hackathons are more than competitions—they bridge academic learning and real-world industry applications.
Students gain early exposure to technology challenges, preparing them for careers in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
By collaborating with global leaders like Google and AWS, Globe is building a skilled, future-ready workforce poised to drive the Philippines’ digital transformation forward.
For more about Globe’s initiatives, visit Globe Telecom.