Vertere Global Solutions proudly served as a Major Sponsor of Blue Hacks 2026, the annual hackathon organized by the Computer Society of the Ateneo (CompSAt), held on March 28–29, 2026 at the Ateneo De Manila University campus. This year’s event carried the theme “Innovating for a Greener Urban Future: Encouraging Sustainable Living in Cities”, bringing together 25 teams of talented students representing some of the Philippines’ leading universities, including Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and University of the East.
Beyond sponsorship, Vertere played an active and meaningful role throughout the event. Ian Salvador and Deo Missalyn Savellano, both Vice Presidents for Sales & Delivery, delivered an impactful tech session titled “AI-Powered Engineering: How LLMs are Changing the Way Developers Build Software”, equipping participants with vital professional insights into how artificial intelligence continues to shift modern software architecture paradigms.
Vertere’s leadership team provided intensive guidance to the competitors. Deusdatus Bacud, Client Services Director, worked hand-in-hand as a mentor with an engineering team throughout the competition, helping them maneuver through technical roadblocks to shape a viable product blueprint. On the evaluation side, Irene Bartolome, Vice President for Sales & Delivery, represented Vertere on the official judging panel, critically assessing final software pitches based on innovation, real-world utility, and execution.
The Blue Hacks 2026 Winners
Following 48 continuous hours of planning, designing, and coding, the hackathon concluded with exceptional engineering prototypes demonstrating high viability for municipal application. The final placements recognized outstanding student tech solutions:
• 1st Place (Grand Champion): The Walking Dev — University of the East
• 2nd Place (First Runner-Up): CodeQuerors — University of the Philippines–Manila
• 3rd Place (Second Runner-Up): WeJustKen — Ateneo De Manila University
Blue Hacks 2026 masterfully put the capability, creativity, and drive of the next generation of Filipino technologists on display. Vertere is honored to invest in structural initiatives that do not simply celebrate innovation, but actively cultivate tangible, transformative solutions designed to uplift modern civic communities.
“We look forward to continuing our deep support for ecosystems that inspire, empower, and build up the long-term horizons of the Philippine technology ecosystem.”
