“Technology is powerful. However, that power must come with purpose. The technology that we use must also help individuals and communities move forward in this fast-changing digital world.”

This was the message of Dr. Rhodora Jugo, President of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), as she led the closing ceremony of the National ICT Month 2025 celebration spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region III, held today, June 30, 2025, at the Mini Convention Center, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

“At the end of the day, technology becomes truly meaningful only when it is used to uplift lives and serve the greater good of our communities and our nation. Let us keep moving forward, digitally connected, united in purpose, and stronger as one community,” added President Jugo.

The President also expressed her gratitude to the DICT for its continued support, particularly for establishing the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Level 4 at NEUST, the first of its kind in the Philippines, emphasizing its significance in advancing digital capacity-building efforts for local communities and fostering innovation-led development in the region.

Highlighting the spirit of unity and progress that defined the month-long celebration, Engr. Antonio Edward Padre, Regional Director of DICT Region III, shared a message of continuity and purpose: “This is a continuation of our shared commitment and passion. May we carry with us the lessons, the partnerships, and the inspiration we have gained during this month-long celebration,” he said.

DICT Region III Project Development Officer I Jason Ryan Cunanan presented the Tech4ED Project, emphasizing its alignment with the goals of NEUST’s DTC Level 4 in advancing digital inclusion and local innovation through expanded access to education, entrepreneurship, and e-government services.

Meanwhile, a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed for NEUST’s newly established DTC buildings, including the TechnoHub, and Data Center & Robotics Building, signaling a major leap in the university’s ICT infrastructure and capacity.

Also in attendance were Engr. Mario Antonio Aya-ay, DICT Technical Operations Division Chief; Dr. Rey Arimbuyutan, Chairperson of the Nueva Ecija SME Development Council; representatives from Local Government Units in Nueva Ecija; provincial DICT officials, including Conrado Castro, Engr. John Erick Delos Reyes, Nerve De Guzman, Edwin Mendoza, Jeffrey Lazaro, Engr. Jonathan Solis, and Engr. Dale Martensen, along with industry partners from the fields of AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, animation, and quantum computing, who joined the NEUST External ICT Advisory Board roundtable meeting to share insights on the role of emerging technologies in shaping education, innovation, and inclusive national development.

The discussion focused on the real-world impact of emerging technologies on education and livelihoods, the challenges in AI development specific to the Philippine context, and contributions to the Philippine AI Report 2025–2026, which aims to establish a baseline for future benchmarking and policy direction.

Representing NEUST were Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training; college deans and directors; members of the NEUST Internal ICT Advisory Board; faculty members from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); officials and staff of the Management Information System (MIS); and Dr. Marlon Torres, Chief Information Officer.

This culminating event not only marked the conclusion of the month-long National ICT Month celebration but also reaffirmed NEUST’s growing role in shaping the digital future of the Philippines.

As the first-ever Digital Transformation Center Level 4 in the country, NEUST continues to lead the way in promoting inclusive, future-ready, and community-driven digital transformation.

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