By Aira Miranda

In a commendable recognition of his significant contributions to the local blockchain industry, Jay Ricky Villarante, Chairman and CEO of various prominent blockchain companies, has been awarded the distinguished Block Awards 2023. This accolade, presented by the 2023 Philippine Blockchain Week and supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), acknowledges individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the blockchain landscape.

An influential figure in the blockchain sector, Villarante holds key positions in multiple enterprises. He serves as the Chairman and President of 8ventures Pte. Ltd and 8Ventures Philippines Corporation, Chairman and President of Paylance Pte. Ltd., Chairman and CEO of BSP-Licensed VASP company, Moneybees Forex Corporation, Chairman and Director of OrbitPH, Inc., and Chairman and President of Secuna Softwares Technologies, Inc.

In addition to his corporate endeavors, Villarante authored the insightful book "Blockchain: A Catalyst for Good Governance in the Philippines," which delves into how blockchain technology can effectively address pressing issues and contribute to good governance within the Philippines.

Expressing his gratitude, Villarante stated, "I am deeply honored to receive this award and be recognized among the exceptional innovators and visionaries in the blockchain industry. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams at 8ventures, Paylance, Moneybees, OrbitPH, and Secuna. This award motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology, fostering growth, and making a positive impact in the industry and society at large."

Villarante's influence extends beyond his corporate roles. He actively supports startups in the FinTech and blockchain sectors, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation within these realms. Additionally, he shares his knowledge on blockchain and innovation as a resource person in various industry and community events.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Villarante and his ventures demonstrated corporate social responsibility. Moneybees, under Jay's leadership, facilitated secure transactions, enabling Filipinos to convert cryptocurrency from "Play-to-Earn" video games into pesos, providing crucial support when it was needed most.

Through 8Ventures, he demonstrated unwavering support for vital initiatives, extending aid to medical institutions and offering advanced technology to educational institutions to combat the pandemic.

In response to the devastation caused by typhoon Odette, Villarante's efforts reached global scales through partnerships with Yield Guild Games (YGG), highlighting his dedication to both local and global social responsibility.

Furthermore, Villarante's involvement with Secuna underscores his commitment to cybersecurity. He invested in cybersecurity initiatives and actively contributed to developing pandemic management solutions to safeguard critical organizations and aid communities affected by the pandemic.

The Block Awards 2023 is a celebration of visionaries and innovators in the blockchain industry, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and influence. This year's event promises an inspiring experience with guest speaker Mark Joyner, a pioneer in digital marketing, providing insights into the future of blockchain and its transformative impact.