The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) highlighted one of its most significant institutional achievements during the Administrative Council (ADCO) Mid-Year Planning 2026, showcasing its recognition as the sole State University and College (SUC) awardee in Region III and the Philippines for the Digital Bayanihan sa Last Mile Award conferred by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The accomplishment was presented as part of the university’s mid-year accomplishments and major milestones, emphasizing NEUST’s continuing commitment to digital transformation, community engagement, and inclusive access to information and communications technology.

The award was formally received during the ICT Month 2026 Closing Ceremony and the DICT’s 10th Anniversary Celebration held on June 30, 2026, at Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman. NEUST has been a strategic partner of the agency since 2018, actively supporting the implementation of various ICT programs, digital transformation initiatives, capacity-building activities, and community development efforts throughout Nueva Ecija.

Among the university’s notable achievements is its recognition as a Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Level 4 in 2025, affirming its excellence in digital innovation, ICT-enabled education, and community development. The university has also established and actively supported the Tech4ED–Community Learning and Resource Center (CLRC), which now serves 15 Tech4ED Centers across Nueva Ecija, providing free digital literacy and capacity-building programs for students, educators, government employees, and community members.

The presentation also highlighted NEUST’s significant contributions to ICT professional development. In partnership with the DICT, the university hosted a 40-hour Python Essential Program Course, conducted SPARK Technical Training and eLGU System Onboarding at its Talavera Campus, and continues to pursue the implementation of the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) for all university personnel to strengthen cybersecurity and secure digital governance.

Further demonstrating its commitment to digital competency development, NEUST facilitated 49 batches of BSIT Diagnostic Examinations from 2024 to 2025, benefiting 842 student examinees. The university also hosted the ICT Proficiency Examination for professionals and the ICT User Competency Examination, contributing to the development of a digitally competent workforce in the region.

Beyond training and certification, NEUST has cultivated a culture of innovation. Its student team emerged as the Region III Champion in the 2024 Philippine Startup Challenge, earning the opportunity to represent the region in the national competition. The university also hosted the 1st National Research, Innovation and Extension (RIEX) Emerging Technologies Summit 2025, bringing together experts from academia, government, and industry to discuss emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, e-governance, and cybersecurity.

The university’s sustained partnership with the DICT has likewise been recognized through its designation as the Outstanding Partner of DICT Region III for four consecutive years, reflecting its consistent support for ICT programs, digital transformation initiatives, and community outreach. NEUST is also set to host the DICT Region III Hack4Gov Challenge, further strengthening its role in promoting cybersecurity awareness, innovation, and digital resilience.

During the ADCO Mid-Year Planning, university officials noted that the recognition reflects NEUST’s sustained efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring technology-driven services to communities that need them most, in line with the university’s mission of excellence in instruction, research, extension, production, and digital innovation.

The recognition reinforces NEUST’s position as a leading state university committed to advancing digital inclusion and empowering communities through technology, further strengthening its partnership with the DICT in delivering meaningful and sustainable ICT programs across the region.

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