Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU holds 2025 Digital Transformation Forum

By Brithney Nicole Raguindin, STRATCOM Intern

Mariano Marcos State University, through the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), the Information Technology Center (ITC), and the Sustainability and Futures Thinking unit, conducted the 3rd Digital Transformation Forum (DTx3.0) on March 27 at Teatro Ilocandia.

With the theme “Navigating the Next Frontier,” the event was anchored in traversing the current digital trends into the emerging cutting-edge technology, strategies, and cultural shifts that push transformation in the different technological centers and agencies across the region. 

In the morning, experts from different technological centers and agencies were invited to a panel discussion on the digital transformation needed to strengthen the governing bodies in public service.  

Among the speakers of the panel discussion were Engr. Brian Basco from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Arnel B. Ocay from the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators–Ilocos Region Chapter, Dr. Maricel Dacapias from the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center I,  and Mr. John Paul Viernes from the Department of Education. Dr. Saturnina Nisperos, CCIS dean, served as the moderator.

Meanwhile, six plenary talks were also held, where various experts discussed different topics on digital transformation. DOST Project Technical Specialist Neyzielle Ronnnicque Cadiz started the talks, where she talked about advancing network infrastructure and emerging technologies, presenting various agency projects that use advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. 
Department of Information and Communication Technology Technical Operations Division officer-in-charge, Chief Gerald Victor Calamaan, also introduced their e-Gov projects. Engr. Leonora Quarte also presented the digital transformation initiatives of the Commission on Higher Education Region 1.

MMSU's Chief of Software Development and Data Science, James Patrick Acang, also presented the impact of real-time dashboards in enhancing decision-making processes. ITC Director Wilben Christie Pagtaconan elaborated on the university’s digital transformation initiatives and collaborative innovations.

The Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company Consulting Lead Vincent Rodriguez and Cloudswyft Global Systems Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dann Angelo De Guzman, who were the main sponsors of the event, expressed support for the university in advancing technology systems. 

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. expressed gratitude to the attendees for gracing the forum. “This event is a manifestation of our efforts to adapt to new technologies in our operations in our respective institutions,” he said.

DTx3.0 was attended by representatives from the local government unit, private sector, and academic institutions in Region 1. It was co-organized by the MMSU Sustainability and Futures Thinking unit and sponsored by PLDT, CloudSwyft, and Nephila Web Technology, Inc.