Three faculty of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) took oath as founding officers during the reactivation of the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators – Negros Island Region Chapter (PSITE-NIR) on October 17, 2026, at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City.
The event brought together IT educators and academic leaders from 24 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to strengthen regional collaboration and advance excellence in information technology education.
Elected in key positions were Prof. Jennifer Juaneza of Binalbagan Campus as secretary, Prof. Shiegfred Tan of Fortune Towne Campus as treasurer, and Prof. Norberto Mondero Jr. as auditor.
The elected pioneer PSITE-NIR Chapter Executive board members are President Loreto Damasco Jr. of the University of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), VP for Internal Affairs Chester Cofino of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), VP for External Affairs Kristine Soberano of the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), Secretary Jennifer Juaneza (CHMSU), Asst. Sec. Ryan Escorial (NORSU), Treasurer Shiegfred Tan (CHMSU), Asst. Treas. Jeffric Pesueña (SUNN), Auditor Norberto Mondero (CHMSU), and Public Relations Officer Elmer Haro of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R).
The landmark assembly was the direct result of a dedicated grassroots mobilization spearheaded by Prof. Tan, who recognized the urgent need to reconnect isolated IT faculties across the three provinces.
The grassroots initiative by rapidly scaled into a region-wide digital movement, bridging institutional divides and bringing together deans, program heads, and faculty members to pave the way for the gathering in Bacolod City.
The day-long assembly highlighted strong industry-academe collaboration, featuring three plenary talks highlighting emerging trends and opportunities in the technology sector, startup development, and career pathways with speakers Jen Joloc of InteLogix Bacolod, Raina Li of Ruijie Networks Philippines, and Engr. Jovel Young of Buglas-NIR.
The organizational drive also benefited immensely from key regional ICT champions, receiving vital behind-the-scenes guidance and strategic encouragement from long-time ICT advocate Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, alongside active collaboration from the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNeFIT)—reinforcing a shared vision to elevate digital talent and economic opportunities across the newly formed region.
The newly elected executive board is set to establish the chapter’s regional operating guidelines, finalize local institutional memberships, and formalize banking and treasury operations to support upcoming regional workshops, faculty development programs, and student summits across the island.
