“Emerging Trends in ICT Education” was the carrying theme of the recently concluded 11th Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) National Convention held at Zanorte Convention Center, Gen. Luna St., Dipolog City last February 26-28, 2009. Not to mention, Dakak Beach and Park Resort in Dapitan City was one of the venues as well for the JEDI Night and CHED TPITE forum.

This is a yearly convention of all IT Educators in the Philippines from CAR to ARMM regions to post updates and development in the ICT education. The event as well was one of the venues to foster camaraderie and linkages among different educators around the country.

It was too awkward for us Mindanaoans especially from Region 11 because for us to go to Dipolog City, we especially I needed to have connecting flights from Davao to Cebu to Dipolog and my flight back to Davao was from Dipolog to Manila to Davao. Well, my Cebu Pacific flight from Dipolog to Manila (from original 12:40 PM and was changed to 2:00 PM) was delayed and it was repeated when I had my flight back from Manila to Davao (from original 6:35 PM and was changed to 7:10 PM). All these things were happened on the same date. It was quite discouraging (flights) but still fulfilling in my part because of the information I have gained from the convention itself. Not to mention guys, the arrival of Senator Manny Villar that made more the convention memorable and exciting for the rest I guess.

February 25 - Date of Arrival

Most of the participants have arrived on this day. More than 200 participants were there for the annual convention. Finding of the assigned accommodations and strolling around the city for the first time were our first activities.

February 26, 2009 - First Day

Registration of the participants from all regions in the country

The formal opening of the convention. Topics presented that day were focusing on the gap between the industries and the academe. For the first time in PSITE National Conventions, there were reactors assigned for a specific presenter. The day was not complete without the fireworks display (another first in the national convention) sponsored by Department of Tourism IX plus the ever prepared presentation of the hosted institution, the Dipolog Medical Center - College Foundation (The Center of Development for IT Education in Region IX) in the evening. The DMC-CF has prepared a sumptuous dinner assisted by their HRM students. Wines and party was with the night. Everybody was refreshed from hectic schedules in the morning and afternoon. Still, great first day ever for the convention.

February 27, 2009 - Second Day

Continuation of the meaty and substance topics. Presentations such as Best Practices in IT Education in the fields of Instruction, Research and Development, and the Linkages and Community Extensions. I’ve learned a lot from these topics and brought home the ideas and concepts that I thought applicable as well in my mother institution. Later in the afternoon, everybody was excited because we did prepare ourselves to go to Dakak Beach Resort (one of the exciting highlights of the convention and totally world-class) to continue there the celebration with JEDI (Java Education Development Initiative) Night was the center of the celebration. Sun Microsystems awarded JEDI Trainers and Champions that night and it’s an annual awards given to those deserved advocates of Java Projects. Cultural Show was presented, Foods were anywhere and wines poured to every guest’s table. The night was really awesome. The 2nd day was completed with a fantastic bang of fireworks at Dakak Beach Resort.

February 28, 2009 - Third Day (Half Day)

Last day of the convention…CHED Consultation and TPITE (Technical Panel on IT Education) were there to cater to the questions to any development of the organization regarding the IT Education in the country, focusing on producing graduates with quality skills, soft skills, back up with technical skills, and leadership motivation.

Generally, the convention was great and so far for my two attendance of the National Convention, this 11th PSITE National Convention was the one that surpassed my expectations. There were lapses especially in the accommodation part but all those lapses were covered with meaty and substance presentations + the credible speakers + prepared reactors + excellent welcome with fireworks and sumptuous foods + nice place = Two Thumbs Up Convention!

Congratulations to the organizing committees, PSITE IX, to Dr. Gamboa (for spearheading the convention as the VP for Mindanao) and the rest. Kudos to all you Guys!

Before I forget, another first in the history of PSITE, the newly elected PSITE National President was outside Luzon/NCR, and he’s Dr. Randy S. Gamboa (my former dean, my mentor, and my motivator) and the Mr. Edwin Maranon (my former mentor in the Graduate School) was the elected VP for Mindanao. Mindanaoans totally ruled the organization.

FYI: NCITE 2009 will be held at the Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City and the 12th PSITE National Convention will be at Bohol (I am not so sure if the host school would be the Holy Name University?). See you all there!

Let’s support IT Education for the betterment of our nation! Mabuhay tayong lahat!