The ULAP.org is founded in 2021, by Filipinas in Tech: Marilag Dimatulac and Michelle Tabirao, in Denmark. Both are passionately advocating on helping communities by bringing digital literacy program and young talent upskilling. They believe that it is important to ensure that society can address the digital skills gap dilemma in both the short and long term. One of the best ways to approach these challenges is to create a community that gives students and professionals a space to share their passion for technology and innovation.
Get to know more about the founders below:
MARILAG DIMATULAC
FOUNDER
Marilag is a tech community leader who aims to bridge the skill gap through youth empowerment. She believes that we must keep extending the opportunities for succeeding in a tech-driven society, by creating learning channels that are not only accessible but also collaborative and inclusive. As an organizer of Azure User Group Manila and Copenhagen, and as an international tech conference speaker, she acknowledges the power in equal distribution of knowledge across borders, cultures & individuals. Her deep technical knowledge in Cloud and Software Engineering, combined with her relentless passion for mentorship and effective team dynamics, drive her to tackle the tech upskilling challenge, through advocacy and community building. Marilag is a cloud architect and the co-owner of Dewise, an enterprise development company from Denmark and The Philippines.
Why digital literacy education?
“One of the most powerful values you can imbue a tech aspirant is the confidence to succeed. Fostering the belief in their own capabilities and in the limitless possibilities of their innovation, is key to sustaining their love for technology. We need to work together to make education more available and also interesting for these young minds. It’s the ultimate mission of ULAP.org “
MICHELLE ANNE TABIRAO
CO-FOUNDER
Michelle is a digital literacy and youth upskilling advocate. She sees the inter-relationship between technology, advocacy and policy as useful components in addressing complex issues in education, and how the holistic view of these components can foster innovation and creativity. In her early career, she worked in an organization that advocates the use of open source technologies and travelled all over the Philippines to upskill the youth by organizing open-source programs. She studied BSc. in Computer Engineering in PUP, and MSc. DCLead focusing on Tech and Management in Austria and Denmark as an European Union (EU) Erasmus scholar. Michelle is currently working in the product management space that develops Internet of Things (IoT) and data solution in an enterprise in Denmark.
Why digital literacy education?
”There are infinite possibilities in the tech and innovation space, and sometimes we just need to see those opportunities to take a step forward. Underrepresented youth will no longer be scared of what’s next, as ULAP.org will bring a fun and exciting space to learn, collaborate and share. We are here to bring the best in our youths, to motivate, prepare and guide them.”
