Legazpi City, Albay – March 26–28, 2026 — The Laguna University- College of Computing Studies (LUCCS) selected faculty members actively participated in the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) National Convention 2026, held at The Marison Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay. With the theme “PSITE 2.0: Augmenting Education, Connecting Community, and Thriving with AI,” the three-day convention gathered IT educators, academic leaders, and industry experts from across the country.
The annual national convention served as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among members of the IT education community. It highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and its impact on curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and workforce readiness.
Advancing AI Integration in Education
The event officially opened on March 26, 2026, with welcome messages from PSITE National President Dr. Chuchi Montenegro, Legazpi City Mayor Hon. Hisham B. Ismael, and Convention Chair Dr. Sheila Geronimo. The opening sessions emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that IT education remains relevant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
A keynote address by Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Chairperson of the ASEAN AI Council, focused on strategies and policies for integrating AI into Southeast Asian education systems. This was followed by plenary sessions and panel discussions tackling topics such as leveraging AI for future-ready communities and deploying scalable machine learning models in cloud environments.
Engaging Discussions and Knowledge Exchange
Day 2 of the convention featured a series of plenary sessions led by prominent leaders in education and technology. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of PASUC, discussed empowering future IT professionals in an AI-driven economy, while Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, President of Bicol University, highlighted the role of AI in advancing research and national development.
Participants also engaged in national and regional showcases, where institutions presented innovations and best practices in IT education. Discussions on strengthening alignment between academia and industry further emphasized the need to bridge the skills gap and prepare graduates for real-world challenges.
The day concluded with a Cultural Night and Awarding Ceremony, celebrating excellence, creativity, and the rich cultural heritage of the Bicol region.
Strengthening Leadership and Future Directions
On the final day, the convention focused on leadership, policy direction, and future initiatives. Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), presented the roadmap for AI integration in IT education, underscoring the role of policy-driven innovation.
The closing plenary session provided a comprehensive recap of key learnings and featured an inspirational talk on bridging the skills gap between academia and industry. The convention concluded with the announcement of new PSITE officers for SY 2026–2027 and the formal turnover to the next host region.
Commitment to Excellence in IT Education
The participation of LUCCS faculty members in the PSITE National Convention 2026 reflects the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and professional development. By engaging in national-level discussions and collaborations, LU strengthens its role in shaping future-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Article by: Ms. Chrisna L. Fucio, Program Chair, BSIT
Checked by: Ms. Joselle A. Banocnoc, CCS, Acting Dean
Photos by: Mr. John Wilson O. Relova
