The Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators Foundation, Inc. (PSITE) Region 2 Chapter, the country’s largest professional IT organization, recently held its General Assembly on May 31, 2024, at the DISC-TBI Coworking Space in Isabela State University, Cauayan City.
The event focused on emerging trends and opportunities in the IT field. Discussions centered around forging partnerships between higher education institution and industry as well as the importance of continuous learning for IT professionals. A key topic was the importance of technology commercialization. Dr. Betchie E. Aguinaldo, PSITE R02 Vice President and DISC TBI Project Lead, encouraged a shift in focus from solely publishing research to exploring its practical applications and potential impact through commercialization. This could involve generating profit and creating employment opportunities.
The assembly also featured a presentation on career paths in the BPO industry by Ms. Kate Santos of Everise. This major BPO company recently launched a new site in Cauayan City, Isabela. Everise acknowledged how technology like Digital Business Locator (DBL), a spin-off company currently supported and assisted by DISC-TBI, helped them find an ideal location for their new site. DBL transforms the way we connect to local businesses by providing a platform where investors and stakeholders can view relevant data to help them make informed business decisions. It’s a testament that commercializing research is possible and beneficial not just for the community but also for the economy.
CloudSwyft Global Systems, Inc., a Filipino-founded and Filipino-engineered edtech software company, was presented by its founder, Mr. Dann Angelo De Guzman. Mr. De Guzman emphasized the contribution of Filipino technology talents in building software products and solutions capable of delivering and servicing clients worldwide.
To highlight the role of Technology Business Incubator (TBI) in technology commercialization, Mr. Matt Matias, DISC-TBI Project Development Officer, introduced the programs of the DOST ISU Smart City Technology Business Incubator – DISC TBI designed to support students and faculty researchers. He emphasized the smart city incubation tracks, which include Startup THRIVE and iDea+ Reverse Pitching for Faculty Researchers, as well as the iDeaTech Challenge for students.”
PSITE R2 President, Dr. Ramonsito B. Adducul, provided updates on the chapter’s accomplishments, upcoming plans, and revised operation manual and election guidelines. The assembly concluded with the election of new officers and closing remarks, solidifying its role as a valuable platform for IT professionals in the Cagayan Valley region to connect, learn, and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the field.
The assembly brought together IT practitioners, educators, and professionals from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Cagayan Valley region, including Cagayan State University, Saint Mary’s University, Sistech College of Santiago, Isabela State University, La Salette of Roxas College, University of Perpetual Help System, Saint Paul University of the Philippines, Maila Rosario College, Quirino State University, University of La Salette, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College, and Mallig Plains College.
