Converge ICT Solutions Inc., one of the country’s leading fiber broadband and technology providers, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders through its participation in Hackfest 2025 Horizon, an 11-day hackathon organized by the Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) Loyola.

The event brought together over a hundred tech-savvy students from top universities including Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Adamson University, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Participants tackled real-world challenges using their coding skills to create meaningful digital solutions.

Converge played a central role in mentoring and inspiring participants. Two of its top executives—Chief Executive Advisor Eugene Yeo and Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin “Santi” Santos—shared insights on the importance of local innovation and the role of Filipino youth in shaping the country’s digital future.

“You, the youth, are the future. We have the talent—it just needs to be harnessed,” said Santos. “Many of today’s digital tools aren’t localized, but that can change. This is a dream Converge is fully committed to investing in.”

Yeo echoed this during his talk: “We’ve built a strong digital infrastructure at Converge, but what we need now are the solutions and applications that make the most of it. That’s the next level we want to reach—with you.”

Converge experts also took on mentorship roles during the hackathon. Charlene Patawaran, Assistant Manager for R&D, and Steven Maverick Paradeza, Head of Technology Solutions & Engineering Management, guided the student teams and developed the problem statement that served as the core challenge of the event.

𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬:

• 🥇 1st Place – Team Infinity Stones from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with ScrappyHappy, a waste management solution
• 🥈 2nd Place – Team Hacklanons from Ateneo de Manila University with Smiles, a resource-sharing platform
• 🥉 3rd Place – Team Divathon from Ateneo de Manila University with Kalinga, a civic engagement tool

The winning entries addressed pressing societal issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) —tackling problems in waste management, resource redistribution, and community participation through tech-driven innovation.

By supporting events like Hackfest 2025 Horizon, Converge continues to play a vital role in cultivating a digital ecosystem where young Filipino talent can thrive and contribute to nation-building through technology.