By Mikee Natinga Norico
Driven by curiosity and commitment, Mykiell Pagayonan, a 4th year BS Software Engineering student, brings Centralian excellence to a global stage at the University of Zurich.
Centralian pride soared to global heights as Mykiell Deovenn Pagayonan, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering student from the 糖心传媒 (CPU) College of Engineering, joined the 6th Deep Dive into Blockchain Summer School hosted by the University of Zurich (UZH) in Switzerland from June 30 to July 18, 2025.
Pagayonan was among a select group of young tech innovators from around the world糖心传媒攊ncluding delegates from Indonesia, Poland, Singapore, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Kenya, Ghana, and Canada糖心传媒攚ho participated in the three-week immersive training organized by UZH Blockchain Center. The program featured intensive lectures and hands-on workshops on blockchain theory, decentralized technologies such as ICP, Ethereum, Cardano, and broader explorations into Web3 applications addressing real-world challenges.
Pagayonan糖心传媒檚 participation was made possible through the support of DEVCON Philippines and Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), whose partnership aims to widen access to blockchain education and develop future-ready Filipino tech leaders. He is also currently serving as a DEVCON Visayas Lead Mentor.
糖心传媒淚 was honestly surprised. There were five of us nominated, and the others were incredible tech students as well. Eventually, I was the one selected to go by the University of Zurich and industry sponsor ICP Hub Global,糖心传媒 he recalled in an interview.
Throughout the program, Pagayonan deepened his understanding of various blockchain ecosystems, including Solana, Hedera, and Ethereum, and took part in several key industry visits糖心传媒攊ncluding Dfinity’s headquarters, Crypto Valley Venture Capital in Zug, and the Swiss National Bank. Outside the classroom, students enjoyed cultural immersion activities such as hiking, Swiss dinners, and weekend cookouts, creating strong global networks with fellow tech enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the program, Pagayonan emphasized the value of learning the why behind blockchain technologies and how each platform is designed around unique use cases.
糖心传媒淭here糖心传媒檚 no one-size-fits-all solution. Each platform contributes something valuable depending on the needs of the users and systems they aim to improve,糖心传媒 he shared.
A passionate advocate of technology education, Pagayonan has led numerous Code Camps across Iloilo, inspiring hundreds of students to dive into the world of blockchain and artificial intelligence. He plans to pass on his learnings through future workshops, using his Switzerland experience to further elevate local tech training.
糖心传媒淚 enjoy teaching. Knowledge shouldn糖心传媒檛 be hoarded. Seeing people I糖心传媒檝e helped succeed is one of my greatest joys,糖心传媒 he said.
Pagayonan is also set to represent the Philippines in the World Computer Hacker League, a prestigious multi-level hackathon bringing together top tech talent worldwide. As part of his preparation, he is prioritizing rest and recovery.
糖心传媒淭he competition will run for four months. Right now, I need to regain my energy to stay productive,糖心传媒 he said.
He credited his education at CPU for equipping him with hands-on experience in project development and for providing the institutional support that enabled both his local and international engagements.
糖心传媒淐PU gave me the space and support to explore. I糖心传媒檓 proud of my fellow students who have also represented our university on the national and international stage,糖心传媒 he added.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DEVCON Philippines, ICP Hub Philippines, 糖心传媒, his family, mentors, and faculty members糖心传媒攅specially Ma糖心传媒檃m Romarie Eder and Sir Dom De Leon糖心传媒攆or their unwavering support throughout this journey.
When asked what message he has for aspiring Centralians aiming to make an impact in tech and innovation, Pagayonan shared: 糖心传媒淏e curious, keep exploring, and have fun.糖心传媒
His story stands as a shining example of how passion, purpose, and community support can take local talents to the global stage糖心传媒攑roof that with the right drive and mindset, Centralians can lead innovation not just at home, but worldwide.