by Abegail S. Comandao
February 2021
From February 25 to 27, 2021, the faculty of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) virtually converged with other educators from different parts of the country at the 23rd Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) National Convention, held via Zoom Conference with the theme, “Shifting Pandemic Challenges to Learning Excellence Opportunities.”
The delegates from OLFU’s Valenzuela, Quezon City, Antipolo, Pampanga, and Laguna campuses were, namely: CCS Dean, Dr. Raymond S. Macatangga; CCS Valenzuela Program Head, Dr. Londren Velasco; CCS Valenzuela Practicum Coordinator, Abegail S. Comandao; CCS Quezon City Information Technology Program Head, Arfel Aguilar; CCS Quezon City Computer Science Program Head and Head of the OLFU Education, Learning, Innovation and Technology Enhancement (ELITE) Center, Marissa Chua; CCS Antipolo Information Technology Program Head, Edward Cruz; CCS Pampanga Information Technology Program Head Sonny Roque; and CCS Laguna Information Technology Program Head, Ericson Dilla.
On the first day of the conference, the Fatima Chorale led the invocation and the National Anthem followed. PSITE National President, Ernesto Boogie Boydon then gave the Welcome Remarks. Keynote Speaker CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III aka “Popoy De Vera” kicked off the event with his inspirational speech.
Next came the transformational leadership and technologically-relevant talks of the resource speakers: Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr. on Transformational Leadership, and Usec. Alan A. Silor on the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Resiliency Programs.
Afterwards, an intermission number was rendered by OLFU student Ken Fraser, who was also a Net 25 Grand Winner, a Finalist on Tawag ng Tanghalan, and a Contender on GMA 7’s The Clash.
On the second day, OLFU’s Dr. Macatangga, who is a PSITE National Board Member, gave a recap of Day 1 and informed the participants about the Election Proper. Next came the talks of Dr. Enrico Paningit, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), Department of Science and Technology, on “IT Innovation Researchers”; JP Palpallatoc, Accenture Advance Technology Centers Phlippines Managing Director – Software Engineering & Data and Artificial Intelligence Lead, on “Accenture Technology Vision 2021”; and Matt Decoursey, CEO and Entrepreneur, on “Industry Skill Demands.”
Consequently, Dr. Macatangga led the Presentation of Election of Winners where he discussed the electoral procedures.
After lunch, Ralph Vincent Regalado, the CEO of Senti Al and Google Developer, shared about “Deep Learning Models.” Then, the PSITE Service Awardees presentation followed suit.
Another batch of technologically-relevant talks were given by Angel Redoble, PLDT Group, e PLDT Group and Smart First Vice-President, Chief Information Security Officer, about “Visibility”; and Michael Choi, Coding Jojo, USA Chairman, on “Training Model.”
On Day 3, PSITE National Board of Director, Roselle Alday delivered the recap. Then, two more resource speakers discussed their talks: Dr. Aaron Raymond See, Office of International Affairs at Southern Taiwan Director Student Affairs Division, on “Developing Assistive Devices and Educational Aid using Artificial Intelligence for Visually Impaired and the Blind”; and Eddie M. Nuque, Senior Fellow of the Sustainable Development Goals Lab, De La Salle University, on “Configuring New Normal.”
Then PSITE National Outgoing President, Ernesto Boogie Boydon’s achievements as the “Pandemic President” showed how I.T. educators unitedly helped each other during the onset of the pandemic.
The newly elected PSITE National Board Officers for SY 2021-2022 were then declared.
Lastly, the PSITE Convention Chair, Dr. Larmie Feliscuzo imparted the Closing Remarks.
