Christopher Cubos and I, ever since we got acquainted in the mid-90s, have been known to be at loggerheads when it comes to certain industry issues. For example, way back in the early days of Philippine Internet (Web 0.5?), we had a long-running argument about content vs. design.

However, we are in wholehearted agreement on one thing: community-building. On this score, we are completely on the same side. (Actually, we agree on two things: the other one is good food.)

Recently, while I have been preoccupied with building a bloggers’ community in Davao (and Mindanao), Chris has been intent on helping develop the future movers and shakers of the city’s I.T. industry. His new restaurant in Metro Avenue, Fwendz Diner, has now become a hangout for I.T. professionals and college students taking up computer-related courses.

In his eagerness to foster the malleable and super-absorbent minds of young Dabawenyos, Chris welcomes these students into his fold, making his resources available to them. Truly inspiring efforts by an indomitable pioneer in the industry.

There are other, so-called I.T. industry leaders hereabouts. They are those who like to grandstand and toot their own horns. But Chris, who doesn’t fancy himself as a leader, is in fact one. Posterity will declare my friend to be one of those who truly, verifiably contributed to the growth of Davao I.T.

One of Chris’s current involvements now is the formation of a Drupal users and developers group in the city. Another is his participation in Ted Padova’s Adobe Acrobat evangelization efforts. And a recent development is the promotion of the “Silicon Gulf” concept, in which I intend to contribute as well.

Chris and I hold the belief that, in order to help spark growth, it must be done in, through and with the community. Synergies are important — no single entity can successfully bring about meaningful change in Davao’s already complicated I.T. industry setup.

If you’re an aspiring I.T. professional, I encourage you to participate in the informal get-togethers at Fwendz Diner. It’s a place not only for good and inexpensive food, but also for invaluable hands-on learning.

Speaking of schools, there is an annual event geared towards cultivating the youth. In case you’d like to share and do your part for Philippine I.T., sponsor the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2008.