In a dynamic initiative to foster digital innovation and creative talent, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) through the Office for Corporate Partnerships (OCP) successfully hosted the Game Development Training-Workshop at the school’s Auditorium last March 21, 2025. The event, held in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 11, Huawei, the Local Government Unit of Davao, and the Game Development Association of the Philippines (GDAP), drew aspiring developers from across the region.
The full-day workshop aimed to equip participants with foundational and advanced game development skills. Attendees explored emerging industry trends, participated in practical hands-on sessions, and learned strategies to monetize their digital products by onboarding games onto the Huawei platform. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting technological advancement and supporting the growth of a strong digital economy in the region.
In her message on behalf of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Ma’am Sharon Lei Lomantas emphasized the significance of such initiatives in the city’s digital development:
“Today’s game development training serves as a vital platform to equip and uplift aspiring and professional developers with the essential skills in game design, programming, and beyond.”
Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mapúa MCM, also expressed support for the initiative, stating:
“This event provides a great opportunity for Mapúa MCM students to enhance skills and promote innovation, equipping individuals to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.”
Under the guidance of expert facilitators, teams from various educational institutions showcased their creativity and technical prowess. Notably, student teams from UP Mindanao and Mapúa MCM presented fully developed games that impressed both peers and professionals with their innovation and design.
In a further display of creative talent, students from participating institutions pitched original game concepts, introducing fresh ideas and potential future hits in the Philippine gaming scene.
Adding an artistic flair to the day, a drawing and illustration competition was held using the GoPaint application on the Huawei MatePro device. Four individual contestants demonstrated their skills in a live, competitive environment, impressing audiences with their digital artistry.
Mapúa MCM was well-represented with 19 students from the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) actively engaging in the workshop and presentations, further showcasing the institution’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in digital technology and game development.
This collaborative event highlights the growing importance of game development in the Philippines and underlines the need for continued support for young creators aiming to enter the global digital marketplace. It also serves as a strong example of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in action, as it brought together government agencies, private companies, academia, and local communities to promote inclusive and sustainable technological growth.