From July 4 to July 6, 2025, the picturesque shores of Country Inn by the Sea, Racat, Sta. Ana, Cagayan hosted Debug 4 — a three-day technology gathering focused on software development, UX/UI design, coding challenges, and collaborative learning. Organized by HackTheNorth.ph, Debug offered an engaging platform for developers, designers, and tech professionals to sharpen their skills, connect with peers, and explore innovation in the digital world.
A Retreat for Developers and Designers
Unlike typical conferences held in urban centers, Debug 4 brought its audience to a relaxed and scenic setting in Cagayan, blending tech talks, networking, hands-on coding, and some leisure activities along the beach. The event's program was built to appeal to both rising and experienced tech practitioners — from software engineers interested in modern tools to designers pushing the boundaries of user experience.
Participants were encouraged to bring their laptops to fully benefit from the code camps, coding challenges, and collaborative projects happening throughout the sessions. The vibe was built around mutual learning, peer collaboration, and community growth — not just passive observation.
Expert Speakers and Insightful Talks
Debug 4 featured a lineup of experienced speakers and tech leaders who shared insights on current trends and future directions in software and design:
| Speaker | Role |
|---|---|
| Tzar Umang | CTO & COO, Makerspace Innovhub OPC |
| Darla David | AWS Community Builder & AWS User Group Philippines Meetup Lead |
| John Lester Necesito | Software Engineer, Core Lead, Flutter Philippines |
| Franrey Saycon | CTO, Voltura Pty Ltd |
| Joash Requiez | Product Designer, Executive VP at DevCon Pampanga |
| Eliezer Rabadon | CEO, DVCODE Technologies Inc. |
| Anthony Basang | Cloud Engineer & IT Consultant |
| Mark Anthony Estopace | Senior Software Engineer, Cambridge |
These speakers brought a variety of perspectives — from technical expertise in cloud computing and mobile development to product design and engineering leadership — making the event rich with practical knowledge.
Activities Beyond Talks
Debug didn't just stop at keynote sessions. The event also featured:
- Coding challenges to test participants' problem-solving and programming skills
- Networking sessions to build meaningful connections
- Beach games and social gatherings to foster community and fun
- Raffles and giveaways adding a festive atmosphere to the meetup
This blend of education and community engagement helped Debug stand out as both a professional development event and a community festival for tech enthusiasts.
Partner Organizations and Community Support
The success of Debug 4 was powered by partnerships with prominent organizations, including:
Platinum Partner: Hiraya Network
Gold Partners: OKX Wallet, Viction
Other Contributors: HOBBYIST3D, DevXpert Solutions Inc., Bitstop Network Services
Community Partners: AWS User Group Philippines, Flutter Philippines, ReactJS Philippines, and more — all helping to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem around the event.
Practical Experience for Tech Enthusiasts
Whether you were a seasoned professional or an aspiring developer or designer, Debug 4 provided a platform for growth, experimentation, and real-world learning. The event's structure encouraged participants to engage actively — from brainstorming solutions and tackling coding problems to sharing ideas and exploring the latest tech trends.
In summary: Debug 4 served as a dynamic hub for tech education and creative exchange, nurturing a community where software developers and UX/UI designers could come together to build, learn, and innovate against the scenic backdrop of northeastern Luzon.
Code. Design. Connect. 💻🎨🌊