Ruben Lacumba Jr., the Founder of Davao DeFi Community, is a passionate advocate for blockchain technology and decentralized finance. With expertise spanning crypto, NFTs, ReFi, and DeFi. He is also deeply involved in the Web3 ecosystem as a Support and Lead Moderator for DAO communities. Known for their blockchain-agnostic approach and multichain proficiency, they thrive as a DeFi degen farmer, exploring innovative opportunities while fostering collaboration in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What made you interested in Web3?

I participated in the space during the early days of DeFi Summer on Ethereum, when the network was relatively uncongested, and transactions could be made for only a few cents. This was when DeFi started to grow rapidly through smart contract development and the creation of various DeFi products. I learned a great deal from the global Web3 community and became fascinated with the technology and the potential it offered to the masses.

This experience inspired me to take a leap of faith and transition into the space full-time, leaving my job as an IT administrator. Although it was a risky decision, I was passionate about the potential of Web3. At that time, I decided to build a local community called Davao DeFi Community with two main goals: to help the industry scale through mass adoption and to support my fellow locals with education and onboarding into the space, with a focus on the social impact of technology.

I firmly believe that this technology has the power to transform how things are done, enhancing efficiency and driving positive change for the greater good.

How is working/building in Web3 different from other industries?

I have been working long-term as a freelance IT professional, primarily working remotely from home or wherever possible. Working in Web3 and building a community are similar in many ways, but there are unique dynamics that allow for greater self-growth and improvement. The industry moves at a fast pace, with constant learning and updates needed to keep up, which keeps me engaged and dedicated to supporting the community.

I am a big fan of space and am heavily invested in research, always looking for valuable insights (“alpha”) that can benefit everyone. The community aspect brings even more learning and conviction, as teaching others accelerates my own growth and deepens my passion. The most rewarding part is seeing each person I help to onboard and educate about the industry—there’s no equal feeling, and it motivates me every day.

What’s your proudest achievement in Web3?

Building this local community has been an achievement, but we’re not finished yet—we still have a long way to go. I’m proud of how much our community has grown since day one, when we started building it with my core team. It’s been a wild journey, starting from scratch and eventually forming collaborations with partners who have supported us in our mission to thrive.

Over the past two years, we’ve organized numerous in-person events, despite not being professional event organizers or teachers. We’ve managed to pull it off through diligence and an open mind, always listening to the collective input of our community. I owe immense gratitude to the Davao DeFi Community and my core team for their dedication and shared commitment to spreading awareness of this industry’s technology to every corner of the region. Together, we aim to inspire and help build more communities along the way.

Collaborating with established communities, like our close partner Devcon Davao and other organizations, has been invaluable. We’ve learned so much from their experiences and advice, which has significantly contributed to our growth as well.

If there’s something you would like to change in your Web3 journey, what would it be?

Nothing should change because the hardships taught me a lot, and this is how I intend to move forward—grounding all my decisions in real, on-the-ground experiences. I’ve learned so much from this approach, which allows me to make better decisions for both the community, the goals and mission. I just hope we can reach as many people as possible, helping to educate and guide them through this industry.

What’s the biggest problem that you think Web3 can solve?

Honestly, I think one of the biggest problems Web3 can tackle is the lack of ownership and control people have over their own data. Right now, in Web2, we’re constantly giving our data to big corporations that use it, sell it, and profit from it—often without us even realizing the full extent. Web3 shifts that balance by letting people truly own their data and decide how it’s used.

Another huge benefit Web3 brings is transparency, especially in sectors where trust is an issue, like finance, supply chains, or voting systems. With blockchain, everything is verifiable and open, which means it’s a lot harder for any single entity to manipulate the system. It’s a way to level the playing field and bring more accountability to spaces that have traditionally been opaque.

In the end, it’s about giving people more power and control, whether that’s over their data, assets, or even the platforms they use every day. Web3 has a real shot at shifting power back to individuals, which is something we really need.

What’s your BTC price prediction in 2030?

One thing that’s clear about Bitcoin and the industry in general is that, regardless of market conditions, this is an up-only technology that will soon disrupt the traditional ways we handle transactions and increase money velocity, making it more efficient for everyone. Bullish on Web3 tech—enjoy the ride!