The annual General Assembly for the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Department took place on August 20, 2025, at the Laguna Sports Complex-Main Gymnasium. Under the theme “Pushing to Progress: Discover, Connect, and Innovate,” the gathering united students, faculty, and Laguna University officials for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth. College of Computing Studies (CCS) faculty member Mr. James Aaron Guevarra hosted the event, facilitating the program and ensuring participants remained engaged through the morning.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Marlon L. Atanacio, former CCS dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), highlighted the purpose and importance of conducting General Assembly for various colleges. Furthermore, Dr. Atanacio reminisced about his college days, where the first thing he learned in programming was the classic and never outdated “Hello World.” He labeled the IT students as “ITeans,” reminding them that their program drives innovation in the society and is expected to lead industries, especially in the ever-changing digital world. “Sana mahalin niyo ang propesyon o ang kursong kinuha niyo kase tayo ang tinatawag na innovators,” he shared in his speech.
The President of Laguna University, Dr. Charlemagne G. Laviña, gave his warm and encouraging inspirational message, recounting the days when he was still teaching fundamentals of programming and have witnessed a student who did not excel in coding but still managed to bounce back as a champion in a programming competition during their third year. “The future belongs to those who dare to push forward, those who are not content to stay in their comfort zone,” he emphasized. He brought his speech to a close with an important reminder to the IT students, “Ang nagpapaikot ng mundo sa professional world ay IT professionals.”
Following the inspirational message from Dr. Laviña, the newly appointed CCS Dean, Ms. Joselle A. Banocnoc, introduced the faculty members forming the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) department.
To keep the momentum alive, the Vice President for Planning (VPP) of ITS_LU, Mr. Elmer Jeremiah Reyes, gave an exciting and enjoyable icebreaker for each of the individuals in the gymnasium; the crowd went loud as the joy covered the whole gymnasium.
Thereafter, the newly appointed Prefect of Student Discipline, Ms. Jovelle M. Reyes, told and explained the importance of following the rules and regulations that were given and should be followed by the students studying at Laguna University.
Afterward, ITS_LU President, Mr. Geram Sam Perez, addressed the future goals of the officers and emphasized the importance of the membership fee collected during the first week of classes. Following that, Ms. Mae Marie C. Lim, the Laguna University-Central Student Council (LU-CSC) General Secretary, introduced the active organizations at Laguna University, including Serena, which supports members of the LGBTQIA+ community; LUMABS for those interested in bands and music; and LUPAC for dancers, among others.
Capping off the morning program, the members of the Laguna University Music Band and Society (LUMABS) gave an energizing performance. The atmosphere was filled with festive cheers as Mr. Jayson Opeña—one of the CCS faculty members—joined and sang along with the members on the stage. Following that, the members of Laguna University Performing Arts Club (LUPAC), alongside block representatives, lit up the stage as they performed a flash mob performance with the song “Dungka” by SB19.
During the afternoon, the students participated in a team-building activity organized by the ITS_LU officers. The afternoon session of the program featured 20 teams that competed and engaged in various games and challenges. This activity fostered unity, leadership, and collaboration among the participants and marked a memorable experience that they will cherish throughout their academic journey.
When asked about his experience in organizing the event, Mr. Geram Sam Perez—ITS_LU President—said, “Yung naging challenge namin ay hindi kami palaging kumpleto sa meeting at nagkaroon ng hirap sa communication dahil halo-halo ang blocks,” underlining their struggle in conducting meetings and communicating with other members. “Pero kahit mahirap, masaya pa rin ako at grateful kasi naging successful ang General Assembly at natupad namin yung objective ng event,” he added.
The event concluded with a closing remark from Ms. Kate Claudel A. Torrefiel, the adviser of ITS_LU, who expressed her gratitude for all the participants and the people behind that led to the success of the event.
Truly, the IT General Assembly 2025 is not just an event organized to enlighten the students about the department’s plans, policies, and guidelines. It is an avenue where students can showcase their talents and creativity beyond the realm of Information Technology. An opportunity to celebrate the greatness of the students and traverse towards a brighter future.
Written by: Erickson Enriquez
Edited by: Angel Frias
Photos by: Rjay Llano, Danilo Fernandez, Maria Angela Velasco, and Mark Stephen Espiritu
