Who would ever thought that the 21st century tag line “Like us on Facebook” could prompt ICT enthusiasts in various academic institutions in Mindanao and the Visayas to participate in the ICCF 2010? The Steering Committee of the 8th Iligan City Computing Fair proved it was such a brilliant idea.
Organized and hosted by the School of Computer Studies of MSU-IIT, the said event held last November 25-26, 2010 at campus premise featured ICT-related competitions, Technical Forum, Presentations of undergraduate Thesis/Special Projects, Exhibits, and Job Fair. It brought in students from more than 20 high schools, college and universities from all over Mindanao and Visayas, who showcased their talents and skills as they competed in Digital Arts Open Competition, Computer Programming, Computer Hardware Servicing, and Quiz Show.
In cooperation with many sponsorswho generously shared their resources to support this annual event, The ICCF 2010 welcomed distinguished guests of honors who graced this annual gathering. Topping the list was Engr. Loreto Flores, a Senior Development Manager of IBM Philippines, an alumnus of the College of Engineering and former faculty of Electronics Engineering Technology Department. The Keynote Speaker during the Opening Ceremonies on the first day, Engr. Flores made the participants understand better the theme of ICCF 2010 – “The Role of ICT: Promoting Socio-economic and Cultural Development in Mindanao”. He further disclosed, “that the role of ICT echoes dead-on to the thrust of the MSU System – integrating the Muslim-Christian populace to the mainstream national body-politic; we recognize the value of quality education to foster the much-needed understanding amongst the people of Mindanao. And we do this using IT.”
Dr. Marcelo P. Salazar, Institute Chancellor, also shared his views on the theme of the ICCF 2010. Dr. Salazar has been supportive of the activities geared towards a shared vision of MSU-IIT in promoting ICT in the academe through the implementation of e-management system which is currently used by the Institute.
On the first day, the event showcased some outstanding academic papers and projects by selected students mostly from MSU-IIT during the Student Project/Thesis Presentation, at the Multi Purpose Hall. While on the second day, a Technical Forum was held at the Institute Mini-Theater, where various speakers from the ICT fields shared their knowledge and expertise on topics related to ICT. The speakers came from different industries, business sectors, and academic institutions.
Capping this year’s ICCF was the culmination program which proclaimed the victors in the various competitions. Prof. Ernesto E. Empig, Dean of SCS, Dr. Polaus M. Bari, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Prof. Orven Llantos, Chair of ICCF 2010, awarded the winners with their medals and certificates. The champions in the competitions included the following: Team Musteeker – Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Cagayan de Oro City (Computer Hardware Servicing); Team Expellarmus – Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City (Open Computer Programming); Sharief Yashier mante Jali – Mindanao State University-Main Campus (Digital Arts); Team USC SECURITY 1 –University of San Carlos-Cebu City (Quiz Show, College Category); Team Pisay 2-Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus (Quiz Show, High School Category);
In closing the event, the faculty of the SCS, together with some sponsors, speakers and coaches from participating teams met in a dinner cum socials held at Madelicious Native Foods, Iligan City. Dr. Olga M. Nuneza, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension gave inspirational message and congratulated SCS for once again contributing to MSU-IIT’s achievements in the field of ICT and for engaging in another successful event.
Meanwhile, in a simultaneous event, SCS faced the one-day MidTerm Monitoring and Benchmarking for COD/COE for IT Education by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last November 25, 2010. Four (4) officials came and conducted series of interviews with the Dean of SCS, Prof. Empig, the Chairpersons of the Departments of Computer Science, Information Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology, some faculty members and students. At the Socials Night, Prof. Empig disclosed, “after much deliberation of the requirements complied and submitted, the School of Computer Studies was found out to be ready to apply for the status of Center of Excellence in IT Education starting school year 2010-2011.” Indeed, such pronouncement from CHED and success of the 8th ICCF proved a double achievement not only for SCS but for MSU-IIT in general.
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