2025 PhilDev USA Gala and Awards
Celebrating 15 Years of PhilDev
Honoring the Past. Building the Future.
This year marks a major milestone—PhilDev’s 15th Anniversary. What started as a vision by Silicon Valley pioneer Diosdado “Dado” Banatao has become a powerful movement to close the Filipino STEM Gap and uplift the next generation of Filipino innovators.
Our renewed mission? To ensure more Filipinos not only survive—but thrive—in science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We’re doing this by expanding access to quality education, mentorship, and tech entrepreneurship programs that empower Filipinos to lead and shape the future.
Save The Date
September 27, 2025 l Signia by Hilton San Jose
Join Us for the 2024 PhilDev Gala and Awards
Enjoy an evening of music, inspiration, and community as we:
- Honor this year’s awardees in Education, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Dado Banatao Legacy Award
- Celebrate the success of our scholars, mentors, and partners who make the mission possible
- Build momentum for the future of Filipino leadership in STEM
Why We’re Here: Closing the Filipino STEM Gap
Filipinos have the talent and drive to lead in science and technology—but we’re still underrepresented where it matters most.
In the Philippines, only 21% of students who enroll in STEM programs make it to graduation. In the U.S., Filipinos make up just 1.2% of the STEM workforce, despite being one of the largest Asian American groups.
This gap limits innovation and keeps too many of our youth from reaching their full potential.
A Story of Impact: From the Mountains of Bukidnon to a Career in Tech
Meet Jession Diwangan, a PhilDev scholar from the Umajamnon indigenous tribe in Mindanao. In a community where very few make it to high school, Jession dreamed big.
With the help of a PhilDev scholarship, he earned a degree in Electronics Engineering—graduating cum laude from Xavier University. He became the first engineering graduate in his tribe. Jession didn’t stop there. After joining Analog Devices as a test engineer, he nominated PhilDev’s scholarship program for a grant—paying it forward so other students could pursue college, too.
“Every step I take is a tribute to my father, my tribe, and the countless people who believed in me,” Jession says. “I’m living proof that with support, dreams can become reality.”
Jession’s story is one of many lives transformed through PhilDev’s mission. And with your help, we can support hundreds more.
Get Involved
Get Early Bird Tickets
Join us for an unforgettable evening. Early bird promo is only until May 31, 2025!
Become a Sponsor
Partner with us to scale impact and show your commitment to representation and innovation.
Donate to close the Filipino STEM Gap
Your gift fules scholarships, mentorship, and training for young Filipinos in STEM who are ready to change the world.
