WordPress Campus Connect made history in Southeast Asia on July 25, 2025, by hosting its first-ever event in the region in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The initiative brought WordPress practitioners, students, and educators together, aiming to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world digital career opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 students attended the inaugural WordPress Campus Connect event in Cagayan de Oro.
- Sessions focused on career paths in WordPress, hands-on workshops, and human-centered design frameworks.
- Organizers aim to expand Campus Connect to neighboring cities in Southeast Asia.
- Generative AI was addressed as both a challenge and opportunity for future digital careers.
- Major sponsors included Automattic, Bluehost, Kinsta, and WooCommerce.
The Event: A Milestone in WordPress Community Engagement
Held at PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College, the event was a collaborative effort by WordPress chapters from Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Iligan. Over 100 enthusiastic attendees, primarily students from the College of Information Technology, welcomed the initiative. The day’s program included talks, workshops, and practical demonstrations designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of WordPress and potential career paths.
Opening Remarks and Career Insights
The event kicked off with an address by Mr. RJ Cainglet, SBO Adviser for the College of Information Technology. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. John Tañedo, a web designer and brand strategist with 15 years of experience. His session, “Careers in WordPress,” offered a candid look at the realities of freelancing and working in small business environments. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the responsibilities that come with roles such as developer, designer, or marketer.
Hands-On Workshop: WordPress Basics
Mr. Kim Isaiah Valencia, a WordPress developer from Iloilo, conducted a workshop on WordPress installation, themes, plugins, and hosting. Students learned how to install WordPress on their laptops under the guidance of Mr. Valencia and Mr. Kyne Hao, a UI/UX designer. The workshop aimed to give students practical experience in navigating the WordPress ecosystem.
Design Thinking and Career Resilience
Mr. Kyne Hao’s session on Design Thinking introduced students to frameworks centered on empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. His emphasis on human-centered design encouraged attendees to think beyond digital applications to broader problem-solving contexts. The event concluded with a talk by Mr. Glenn Palacio on career growth and the impact of generative AI. While acknowledging the disruptive potential of AI, Mr. Palacio highlighted the enduring value of creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The success of the event has sparked discussions about expanding WordPress Campus Connect to other cities in Southeast Asia. Organizers believe this initiative aligns perfectly with WordPress’s mission to democratize publishing and provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of technical expertise or background.
“The energy and enthusiasm from the students were remarkable, making this event a promising start for WordPress Campus Connect in Southeast Asia.”
What This Means for WordPress Users
For WordPress developers and agencies, the Campus Connect initiative signals growing interest in WordPress as a career path among younger generations. This is a unique opportunity to engage with emerging talent and contribute to skills development in the region. For educators, events like these demonstrate how WordPress can be integrated into curricula to prepare students for digital careers.
We believe this initiative could catalyze similar events globally, offering a template for community-driven education that benefits both practitioners and learners. The emphasis on practical workshops and real-world insights sets a strong precedent for future Campus Connect events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WordPress Campus Connect?
WordPress Campus Connect is a community initiative aimed at bridging classroom learning with real-world WordPress practices. It includes talks, workshops, and career insights for students and educators.
Who organized the event?
The event was organized by the WordPress chapters from Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Iligan, with support from sponsors like Automattic and Bluehost.
Will there be more Campus Connect events?
Yes, organizers have expressed plans to expand Campus Connect to other cities in Southeast Asia and beyond, based on the success of the inaugural event.
How can I participate in future events?
Follow the WordPress chapters in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Iligan on social media for updates on upcoming events.
