Computer Applications Department

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗗𝗟 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

On May 12, 2026, Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications (BSCA) students at Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) gained international research exposure through a virtual co-teaching session on Quantum Diamond Sensors. Held at the CCS 3D HyFlex Classroom via Google Meet, the special lecture was a key milestone of the Department of Computer Applications’ Internationalization Initiative within the College of Computer Studies (CCS).

The session was facilitated by MSU-IIT faculty member Asst. Prof. Stefany Mae Caparida, MSc., and featured guest lecturers Dr. Natakorn Sapermsap, a physicist from Mahidol University, and Napoom Thuppanom, a researcher from the Quantum Laboratory at Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand.

The initiative aligns with the College’s broader mission to bring active international researchers directly into the classroom. Asst. Prof. Caparida, who hosted and moderated the discussion, emphasized that connecting Filipino students with practicing scientists abroad is vital for contextualizing technical skills within a global landscape. The lecture was a truly hybrid experience, with students participating both on-site via the HyFlex classroom’s smart board and through online platforms.

Drawing from their co-authored paper, Real-Time Vector Magnetometry with Quantum Diamond Sensors, the visiting researchers provided an in-depth look at nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds. This quantum system serves as a promising platform for nanoscale magnetic field sensing using a simple optical setup at ambient temperature. The discussion covered key concepts such as zero-field splitting at 2.87 GHz, the Zeeman effect under external magnetic fields, and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements.

Dr. Natakorn elaborated on the integration of optical light guides, microwave control, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) used to drive pulse sequences. His presentation focused on the instrumentation and optical measurement side of sensing and systems engineering, illustrating how magnetic field sensing underpins modern medical diagnostics, chemical detection, and navigation.

Mr. Napoom Thuppanom, the paper's lead author, focused on the measurement systems and signal-processing pipelines that translate raw NV center responses into usable vector magnetic field data. These topics directly intersect with the hardware-level computing BSCA students study in HDL Programming.

He demonstrated how shifts in magnetic field orientation produce multiple transitions across different NV center axes, which are then combined with simulations to reconstruct a full vector magnetic field. This platform serves as both a demonstration kit for quantum phenomena and a functional tool for high-stakes applications like magnetic field imaging.

For the BSCA students, the session was more than a technical lecture; it was a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. By linking core concepts in hardware description, signal acquisition, and embedded systems to a live international research program, the event highlighted how computer applications feed directly into the physics laboratories of the future.

The session reinforced the College of Computer Studies' commitment to embedding global expertise into everyday coursework, ensuring that MSU-IIT students remain competitive and informed in the rapidly evolving world of quantum technology.

Report by Junie Jebreel Botawan
Proofread by Shirley Mae Derong and Althea Grace Amsali

‼️𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝐶𝐴𝐿𝐿 𝐹𝑂𝑅 𝐴𝑃𝑃𝐿𝐼𝐶𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑂𝑁𝑆: 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡-𝐿𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟'𝑠 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡-𝐿𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑗𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑦.

✅ You are eligible to apply if you have participated in:
• Extracurricular activities or student organizations
• Student leadership or officer roles (e.g., class officer, org executive, project lead, sports, dancing, singing, startups etc.)
• Academic research, capstone projects, or publications
• Competitions, hackathons, or technical contests
• Volunteer work, community outreach, or peer mentoring

📝 How to Apply: Submit your application using this official form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefp0nKq-7wVJ25Gwb8UkvHu_nAvRnR1U6yCIwLHmXLFGyhOQ/viewform?usp=dialog⏰

Application Deadline: May 30, 2026

Your submission will be reviewed by the department committee to select this year's awardee(s).

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒’ 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐂𝐎-𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐎𝐋 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 , 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃

As part of the College of Computer Studies' Internationalization Goal, a special session will be held featuring 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬𝐚𝐩, a physicist from 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 and co-author of 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍-𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑽𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒔. He will be joined by 𝐍𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐦, the paper’s first author from the 𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚 𝐿𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦, 𝑆𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑃ℎ𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑠, 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚.. The session will be facilitated by partner faculty member Asst. Prof. Stefany Caparida, MSc.

The co-teachers will share insights on Quantum Diamond Sensors on May 12 at 2:00 PM onwards for the BCA 181 (HDL Programming) course via Google Meet or Zoom. Dr. Natakorn’s discussion will focus on the instrumentation and optical measurement aspects of system sensing and engineering, rather than pure quantum theory. Mr. Thuppanom will co-present his work, with a particular emphasis on the measurement system and signal processing—topics that will be highly relevant to computer applications students.

Meet the Master Trainers Powering Mindanao’s AI Revolution 🚀

MSU-IIT through PCETT-IPIL, in collaboration with Smart CT – the National Implementing body for AI Ready ASEAN – is excited to introduce the educators, researchers, and innovators who will lead in shaping AI literacy across Mindanao. Join us and get to know the MT’s behind AI learning. 💡

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐂𝐂𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐮𝐦 - 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Photos📷: Yohann Domingo, Zairo Omandam and Jed Gesulga
Editing💻: Chesler John Hamili

"𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲": 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) continues to embody its institutional mantra as an influencer through research and innovation as Research Days 2026 officially commenced on April 20, 2026, at the University Gymnasium, under the theme "Transforming Mindanao in a Changing World: Advancing Research, Innovation, and Social Responsibility."

The exposition opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by University Chancellor Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 10 Supervising Science Research Specialist Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Prof. Ephrime B. Metillo joined him for the ceremony.

Following the ribbon-cutting, Prof. Metillo delivered the welcome remarks to the academic community, referring to the participating MSU-IIT constituents as "research heroes" and establishing the core objective of the event by challenging the attendees to "imagine what does not exist yet and turn it into reality."

Office of Research Dissemination Director Assoc. Prof. Primitivo C. Ragandang II introduced the first plenary speaker, University of the Philippines Diliman Professor of Political Science and Scientist III Prof. Rosalie Arcala Hall, PhD.

Prof. Hall discussed the necessity of rooting scientific inquiry in societal relevance. She linked this requirement directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She also addressed the current artificial intelligence landscape, noting that AI algorithms heavily utilize English-speaking data, resulting in a systemic cultural bias.

Prof. Hall affirmed the university as a "beacon of excellence in the Mindanao region" and challenged the attendees to bridge their "passion for research with innovation, purposive, application-based knowledge generation, towards concrete policy outcome." She advised researchers to seek active partnerships and write their own narratives to achieve these goals.

Prof. Adelfa C. Silor then introduced the second plenary speaker, Assoc. Prof. Alias Bin Masek, PhD, of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Assoc. Prof. Masek cautioned against conducting basic research solely for the sake of research. He advocated for actionable progress and clearly defined the operational differences between academia and industry. He prioritized a human-centered approach to investigation and stressed the importance of design thinking to achieve applied research goals.

The Kalimulan Dance Troupe performed a cultural routine following the keynote addresses. Department of Trade and Industry Region 10 Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan and Department of Science and Technology Region 10 Supervising Science Research Specialist Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia subsequently delivered extended messages of support on behalf of their respective regional departments. Both agency representatives expressed their firm hope that the exposition inspires the academic community to generate new ideas and pursue practical innovation.

University Chancellor Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan delivered the closing address to affirm the identity of MSU-IIT as a robust research institution. Chancellor Ditucalan detailed the university's academic output, recording 2,762 publications and 30,000 citations in global databases. Publication counts grew from 204 in 2021 to 407 in 2025, with 93 publications recorded so far in 2026. Administrators attributed these figures to active grants and institutional support systems.

Chancellor Ditucalan utilized this momentum to emphasize the importance of working across academic disciplines and directed the faculty to connect local issues in Mindanao to global conversations. He formally concluded the opening program by thanking the attendees for "believing that MSU-IIT can influence the future, not just reality."

The three-day exposition will run until April 22 to provide the academic community with a dedicated venue to translate these theoretical frameworks into tangible policy solutions.

Report by Calvyn Kent Adeva
Proofread by Althea Grace Amsali
Photos by Yohann Domingo

𝗖𝗖𝗦 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗜𝗜𝗧

The College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) held its Stakeholders' Forum on Computing Education today at the CED Amphitheater. The event convened industry partners, government agency representatives, alumni leaders, and academic collaborators for a structured, full-day exchange on the present state and future direction of its programs.

CCS Dean Atty. Eddie Bouy B. Palad opened the forum by framing it as the college's annual reality check. He declared CCS future-ready while laying out two overarching goals: bridging the gap between academia and industry, and conducting a critical review of the existing curriculum and course code structure. His remarks set the tone for a forum designed not as a ceremonial exercise, but as a working session with real stakes.

Prof. Rabby Lavilles, Director of the Center for Pedagogical Innovations, underscored that the IT field faces one of the widest skill gaps in the industry due to the sector's rapid technological evolution. He stressed that both students and faculty must gain more exposure to industry environments beyond campus as a necessary dimension of their formation. Additionally, he flagged a growing trend of students preferring to work alone—a disposition he warned runs counter to the collaborative demands of any professional setting. He anchored his message in MSU-IIT's core institutional values: being peacemakers, innovators, and changemakers.

Department chairs then presented their respective program educational objectives, program learning outcomes, and curriculum highlights. Asst. Prof. Jerame B. Beloy of Information Technology and Asst. Prof. Liezel Daberao of Computer Science both stressed that stakeholder involvement is not optional; it is what keeps their outcomes honest and grounded in reality. Asst. Prof. Paul Rodolf Castor of Computer Applications distilled his department's direction into a single, concise vision:"work-ready, research-ready, and future-ready." Associate Prof. Alquine Roy Taculin, the Graduate Coordinator, closed the round by walking the room through CCS’s key strategic focus in research and the facilitation tracks anchoring its advanced degree programs.

The forum's most candid exchange occurred during the “Hot Seat” panel discussion, where industry and government representatives were asked point-blank how MSU-IIT CCS graduates have fared in their organizations. The feedback was overwhelmingly affirming. Panelists cited alumni as having helped their organizations manage data more effectively, consistently describing them as competitive, professionally disciplined, and equipped with a strong work ethic. Sir Walter, specifically commended CCS graduates for advancing digital literacy and helping communities navigate an evolving technology landscape. When pressed on what competencies the industry still demands, two priorities surfaced: graduates who are output-ready across both public and private sectors and, as government representatives stressed, professionals driven by a genuine commitment to national development.

Afternoon breakout consultations in the CCS building brought the dialogue closer to the ground. Stakeholders engaged directly with faculty facilitators across the four undergraduate programs—BSIT, BSIS, BSCS, and BSCA—for more focused conversations on skills requirements, curriculum gaps, and real-world expectations. Consolidated inputs from each group were presented before the full assembly during the closing session.

The forum concluded with CCS formally inviting stakeholders to join its Advisory Council, institutionalizing industry involvement in curriculum development beyond the annual forum. In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Taculin affirmed that the college's path forward lies in sustained and genuine partnership with the very sectors its graduates are meant to serve.

Report by Junie Jebreel Botawan
Proofread by Mark Anthony Ramos, Althea Grace Amsali and Kevin Christian Villareal
Photos by Jed Andrez Gesulga

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇:
𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈:𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Photos📷: Zairro John Omandam & Yohann Domingo
Editing💻: Yohann Domingo

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐂𝐂𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Photos📷: Jed Andrez Gesulga
Editing💻: Yohann Domingo

𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐈𝐈𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐂𝐒 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐂𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐭. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫

Delegates from Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) joined the International Industrial Talents Education Special (INTENSE) at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, on April 13, 2026.

The event—directed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and organized by National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Kun Shan University (KSU), and Cheng Shiu University (CSU), in cooperation with Bulacan State University (BulSU)—showcased postgraduate scholarship pathways and career opportunities in Taiwan under the INTENSE Program.

Leading the MSU-IIT delegation was Prof. Joey Genevieve T. Martinez, DSc, Vice Chancellor for International Affairs and Assistant Project Leader of the INTACT Base – MSU-IIT Mindanao Hub Office.

𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 (𝑪𝑪𝑺)
🔵Atty. Eddie Bouy Palad, CCS Dean
🔵Asst. Prof. Paul Rodolf Castor, DCA Chairperson

Also in attendance were representatives from the College of Engineering—including Dean Jefferson A. Hora, Ph.D.; Assistant Dean Gevelyn B. Itao; DECE Chairperson Gene Fe P. Palencia; and 4th-year BS Metallurgical Engineering LIPGI Ambassador Dale Francis Cabigas—as well as faculty from other colleges, such as College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Dean Mylene M. Uy.

The INTENSE Program, an initiative of the Taiwan Ministry of Education, empowers talented Filipino students and educators to advance their skills and pursue academic and professional excellence through international education opportunities in Taiwan.

Read more:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557767687262
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122286002192036639&set=a.122120238860036639
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid022sS74aoY9xEPycvwCnhskCvSoF61UzE6tEUjjcNiMCqfECnE8jgQBornZrG8kmJvl&id=61575098060891

𝐁𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧 ₱𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

ILIGAN CITY — A team of brilliant BS Computer Applications students took center stage and brought home a ₱20,000 seed grant after winning the highly competitive SAKSES Impact Challenge 2026, held yesterday, April 8, 2026, at the MSU IIT University Gymnasium.

The winning team, comprised of innovators 𝑬𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒐, 𝑲𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒐, 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒃𝒐, 𝑱𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒍, and 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒐, guided by their faculy mentor 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒕. 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇. 𝑱𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒔 𝑽𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒗𝒂 successfully pitched their vision for “SUMAKSES TAYO! Youth Moves Smarter in a Digital World.” Supported by , their project is a fun and engaging learning experience focused on promoting digital safety and smart financial decision-making in the local community.

The SAKSES Impact Challenge 2026 is a youth-led innovation and community action competition open to senior high school and college students across Iligan City. Far beyond a standard pitching contest, the challenge serves as a platform for young "Sakses Changemakers" to transform bold ideas into practical, community-driven digital solutions. Out of numerous proposals targeting digital inclusion, responsible online participation, and financial empowerment, only ten teams were shortlisted to present during the climactic Pitching Day.

The competition is a core component of i-SUMAKSES, a youth-led initiative focused on equipping young people with the practical skills needed to navigate today’s digital landscape safely. Through grassroots workshops and learning sessions, i-SUMAKSES tackles online risks and builds responsible digital habits. The broader initiative is proudly supported by the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei.

For the winning BS Computer Applications team, the work is just beginning. The SAKSES Impact Challenge emphasizes action and accountability, requiring projects to address a specific local need with a clear implementation timeline. The team will use their ₱20,000 seed grant to roll out "SUMAKSES TAYO!" over a one-month period.