LOCAL executives of social-network operator Facebook recently conducted a three-day hackathon that they said promotes digital literacy among its online audience.
From November 24 to 26, six teams of 30 individuals from around the country gathered together to develop the tools, products, services and initiatives that will strengthen digital literacy of Filipinos and promote positive online engagement and dialogue, Facebook said in a statement. “The hackathon is an example of our commitment to maintain authentic, informative and inspirational conversations on the platform,” said Clair Deevy, Facebook’s Asia-Pacific head of economic growth initiatives.
According to Deevy, more than 54 million Filipinos are on Facebook “connecting on topics that they care about.”
“As the online space removes boundaries and allows individuals to connect and create common bonds with anyone, we see it important to help foster an environment where people can engage with each other positively,” she added. Named after the popular Filipino dessert halo-halo–which when translated means mixed together—the hackathon symbolized the diversity that is the strength of Philippine culture, Deevy said.
“We’re excited to partner with Facebook to help unlock innovation for good across the Philippines,” said Shahed Amanullah, co founder of Affinis Labs, Facebook’s partner in the hackathon. “As one of the most social countries in the world, we recognize the importance of building tools that help Filipinos connect with each other online through positive dialogue and openness.”
Facebook and Affinis Labs said they will work closely with the winning team for at least six months after the hackathon, providing mentorship, funding, and the necessary support to turn their ideas into a working online tool that reaches millions of people. Affinis Labs will guide project business development, provide mentorship and access to stakeholder networks and resources, and help successful candidates generate publicity and attract additional partners, investors and allies. Winners will also receive $5,000 seed funding to further develop their ideas and bring them to life.
Facebook has partnered with Affinis Labs, a company with a strong record of running social impact competitions abroad, in hosting similar hackathons in Indonesia and Bangladesh. Through this hackathon Facebook hopes to bring together the brightest minds to help generate creative, community-driven solutions that help address global challenges that people see each day in society.