SHIFT Philippines holds Social Media Conference at Ateneo de Davao University

SHIFT Philippines, a digital and social media learning organization brought eight reputable speakers from the social media spectrum in the country to #SHIFTDavao—the first social media conference in Davao City and in Mindanao held at Ateneo de Davao University Finster Auditorium last July 27, 2013. Maria Ressa, one of the country’s top journalists and Bianca Gonzalez, celebrity host, reporter and columnist were two of the most anticipated speakers invited to grace the event.

The others were Sec. Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission, Luke Meinzen of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Robert Shore of Frameworks Institute, Yves Gonzalez of the MMDA Technology and Communications, Jaypee David of Globe Telecom Digital Marketing Department and Michael Josh Villanueva of TechRap (Rappler).

Professionals and students from different schools, colleges and universities all over Mindanao came to participate and witness the discussions about the power of social media, its roles in the society, use of different social networking sites in community engagement and dialogue and the changes and advantages in today’s lifestyles brought about by the incorporation of social media in their daily lives.

Raymond Pepito, Social Media Specialist of Hijo Resources Corporation and an alumnus of Ateneo de Davao Univeristy said that the discussions were of relevance to him especially since he is working in the marketing field. I am able to discover the techniques and trends with the use of social media in terms of creating your cloud and at the same time gain more knowledge especially in empowering people online,” he adds.

#SHIFTDavao production staff volunteer Dawn Carlisle, 4th year Mass Communication student in Ateneo de Davao University also gave a positive feedback since she was not only able to see and hear one of her idols Maria Ressa in person, but she was also able to be part of something grand and to be able to participate in organizing one of the biggest learning events in Davao City is already a great accomplishment.

#SHIFTDavao Social Media Conference was made possible through the efforts of SHIFT Phillipines team, student volunteers, their media partners and the coordination of schools and universities in Davao City to bring to Mindanaons a less-costly yet perfect avenue for learning about social media.

“Social media is not taught in all schools especially here in Mindanao. Even conferences are held only in Manila or abroad. And so SHIFT Philippines, together with the help of different schools, colleges and universities here in Davao and our media partners and sponsors, we give you a social media conference especially made for us. This is definitely made for Davao and the entire Mindanao,” Perry Paul Lamanilao, SHIFT Philippines Project Head and Learning Event Coordinator said in an interview.

Alexa Marie T. Singanon/Contributor