[Best Practice Interview] 2012 GITC Participant Ezekiel John Erpel from the Philippines > Participants' Story Global IT Challenge

[Best Practice Interview] 2012 GITC Participant Ezekiel John Erpel from the Philippines

Hello! This is the GITC Secretariat. Can you believe there’s less than a week left in 2024?

We’d like to introduce a special connection we made during the final round of the 2024 GITC! :)

We’re excited to introduce Ezekiel John Erpel, who participated as a sign language interpreter at this year’s final round.

Did you know he was the Best (1st) award winner of the eLifeMap at the 2012 GITC?

Let’s dive into his story and find out what his journey has been like since then!

Q: Hello! Could you briefly introduce yourself and share what you’re currently doing?
A: Hi, I’m Ezekiel John Erpel. I’m from the Philippines, and I participated in the 2012 GITC in Incheon, South Korea, where I won Best (1st) in eLifeMap. Currently, I work as a sign language interpreter. I also do various other jobs, such as graphic design and video editing.

Q: It’s been quite some time! Do you recall any memorable moments from your participation in the 2012 GITC?
A: The most memorable moment for me was when I won the first award as a participant with hearing impairment. It allowed me to proudly raise the flag of Philippines. Through the competition, I gained valuable insights, including Microsoft skills. It was truly enjoyable and made me realize that people with hearing impairment can achieve great things too.

Q: That sounds like such an inspiring and meaningful experience. It must have boosted your confidence immensely! Were there any changes after participating in GITC?
A: My life changed significantly. By the way, the competition itself has also evolved a lot. Back when I participated, there were only three major, limited categories, but now, unlike before, there are additional categories.

Q: That’s true! Today, the GITC has expanded to include three basic and three applied competitions, which represent a notable expansion since 2012. How do you feel about participating in GITC again in 2024? It must feel very different!
A: It’s been 12 years since 2012, and now I find myself here again at the GITC competition. There are now sign language interpreters, and the environment has become much more accessible and inclusive for us. This is a huge support for us.

Q: Hearing you talk about these positive changes makes it clear that GITC has been evolving in a better way year after year! As a former GITC participant, do you have any advice for participants?
A: First, I hope all participants approach the GITC with positivity. Don’t be afraid—do your best and enjoy the competition. Embrace every experience and lesson with joy. I also hope you continue to collaborate and build friendships with other participants. Above all, always pray, work hard, and give your best effort in everything you do.

This was Ezekiel John Erpel, whom we had the pleasure of meeting at the final round. Returning as an interpreter after 12 years has given him a fresh perspective. For us at the Secretariat, it was both surprising and meaningful to reconnect with him, making us expect that today’s participants might someday become another inspiring figure in the future.

The best practices interviews will continue next year as well!
We’ll see you again with other awesome stories in next year’s interviews. :)

Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday season!