Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) has unveiled a major information technology modernization initiative aimed at transforming its network infrastructure across four campuses in Negros Occidental.
The system was formally received by President Norberto Mangulabnan from LMI Corporation led by Engr. Axel Banay, CEO and President, along with Cisco Account Manager Belle Caraan, and Comstor Country Manager Sheila Belmoro, during a ceremonial signing and turnover held on March 13, 2026, at the Global Learning Cafe, CHMSU Talisay (Main) Campus.
(seated from left) VP for Academic Affairs Engr. Russel Dela Torre, Comstor Country Manager Sheila Belmoro, President Norberto Mangulabnan, LMI CEO Engr. Axel Banay, Cisco Account Manager Belle Caraan, and ICT Unit Head Ariane Torres sign the turnover documents of CHMSU’s upgraded IT system. Also witnessing the signing were VP for Administration and Finance Jay Estrellas and VP for Research, Extension, and IP Ma. Riza Manalo.
CIER / Michael Franz Durano photos
President Mangulabnan was accompanied by VP for Administration and Finance Jay Estrellas, VP for Academic Affairs Engr. Russel Dela Torre, VP for Research, Extension, and IP Ma. Riza Manalo, ICT Unit Head Ariane Torres, and MIS Unit Head Engr. John Kevin Moraca, Data Protection Officer (DPO).
The project, titled “Procurement of Turnkey Project: Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI), Firewall, and Switches for Centralized Network of CHMSU,” marks the university’s initial move to replace existing outdated systems with a robust, scalable, and secure network infrastructure.
It forms part of CHMSU’s three-year Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP). The new system deploys Cisco technologies to support a unified network ecosystem across campuses.
These upgrades are expected to deliver improved service availability, faster connectivity, and enhanced cybersecurity for students, faculty, and staff.
They will also help ensure uninterrupted operation of critical systems while simplifying data center management.
The CHMSU faculty and ICT staff are also set to undergo training and knowledge transfer sessions from LMI Corp to ensure sustainability beyond installation.
For CHMSU, the initiative is part of its vision to be a leading GREEN institution of higher learning in the global community by 2030, aligning technology upgrades with governance, research, and Sustainable Development Goals.
CIER / Michael Franz Durano photos
