By Kathrina Antonio

MMSU professors Herdy Yumul and Wilben Pagtaconan shared their expertise in talent development and improving the business environment during the 12th Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions (RISE) on November 22. Organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology - DICT at Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center, the summit featured MMSU’s initiatives in advancing ICT growth in the Ilocos Region.

The professors discussed strategies to better align academic programs with industry needs, particularly in the IT-BPM sector, to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. Prof. Yumul, director of the Office for Strategic Communication, and Prof. Pagtaconan, director of the Information Technology Center, both frontline in ICT-based services, also emphasized how ICT can drive sustainable development and boost economic growth.

The summit, led by DICT Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, is part of the Digital Cities 2025 roadmap, which aims to make provinces like Ilocos Norte key ICT hubs for jobs, investments, and innovation. “The convergence of ideas from diverse sectors is key to fostering inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystems,” said Batapa-Sigue.

MMSU representatives participated in panel discussions and breakout sessions with ICT councils, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how the region can become more digitally ready and innovative.

Key speakers included Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, represented by Provincial Board Member Rafael Salvador Medina; 1st District Congressman Ferdinand Alexander Marcos III, represented by Consultant Edwin Cariño; and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, represented by Information Officer Atty. Charito Malicad.

Presentations were delivered by IBPAP countryside development consultant Jose Mari Mercado, who discussed the Philippine Skills Framework, and John Jasper Sanchez, Industry Focal from the Office of the Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, who shared insights on the Philippine Digital Ecosystem and Digital Cities 2025 roadmap.

Other panelists included Ms. Leonavella Duldulao of DOLE, Ms. Angel Dastjerdi of SeeMeSOL Inc., Engr. Leonarda Quarte of CHED, Ms. Socorro Galanto of TESDA, Dr. Rona Leigh Bueno of the Trade & Investment Promotions Office, and Ms. Germie Deang of the San Fernando City Government.

College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Dean Dr. Saturnina Nisperos and CCIS faculty members Prof. Napoleon Cacanindin and Mr. Ralph Perdino were also present in the event. 

The university’s participation in RISE 2024 is part of its efforts to inform the public of its initiatives in advancing education and driving digital transformation in the region. By working together and embracing forward-thinking strategies, MMSU continues to be a key player in shaping a digitally empowered Ilocos Region.