More than 400 attendees, way above the group’s goal, trooped to Asian Institute of Management (AIM) last July 10 to attend the very first Philippine Web Design Conference spearheaded by the newly formed Philippine Web Designers Organization (PWDO).
Who would have thought that an event as big as this would succeed? Although it was already planned as early as September 2008, it wasn’t until early April when everything starts to roll (thanks to the completion of registration at the Securities and Exchange Commission in March 31.). There were so many kinks to iron out. As late as July 6, the group was still having a problem opening a bank account at BDO due to a mile long requirements which includes the securing of the General Information Sheet (GIS) from SEC. And to top it all, even if more than 300 registered online, only two persons actually paid in cash!
Well, everything went great, way above our expectations! As part of the organizing team, I was aware about the group’s day-to-day developments. The bank account was successfully opened after I got the GIS from SEC. The Asian Institute of Management officials were very generous in giving the group a great venue, good food, free coffee and free wi-fi. The speakers were eloquent and knows their craft. The event started on time but ended quite late due to the Q and A part.
What I am really proud of is the successful holding of the “Disabled Friendly Website Awards” courtesy of the Philippine Web Accessibility Group and the National Council on Disability Affairs. Previous awarding rites were led by the government as part of their program of events. This time, I’m proud to say that it was done in a non-government affair and in front of “real” web designers, not just some government employees who attend government sponsored seminar-workshops with the sole purpose of escaping from work and getting the comforts of free hotels and travel.
I’m also doubly proud that all recipients of the awards were present. They were:
- www.philcecnet.ph – Official Philippine E-center Community Portal of the National Computer Center represented by Ms. Eloisa San Mateo (Government)
- www.blinding-light.com – Personal Website of Ms.Miko Reznor (Anna Monica Esguerra)
- www.lilianefoundationphil.org – Official Website of Liliane Foundation Philippines represented by Sis. Agnetia Naval, National Coordinator (Non-government Organization)
- webstandards.raquedan.com – Web Standards Website of Regnard Raquedan (Personal Website)
They all received a plaque of appreciation courtesy of the NCDA.
Regnard, PWDO’s President, on his interview by the Philippine Daily Inquirer said the group envisions third party certification for Web design in the Philippines. They also look to help train designers in developing their skills further and also to establish ethical and best practice guidelines.
He remarked,
“We’d like to make Filipino Web designers more reliable for an international market and make them more innovative.”
To all the awardees, thank you very much for promoting web accessibility in your websites! And to the PWDO group, you know who you are, kudos to all of us for a job well done! Let’s calendar July as the date when web design conference will always be held. 🙂
Filipino Deaf from the Eyes of a Hearing Person 
Thanks for the lovely comment. 🙂
Yeah, Philippine Web Design Conference was really a Success, and also much interesting, Thanks.