The fourth-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) programs of the University of San Agustin embarked on a six-day educational tour in Manila, Philippines, from October 11–16, 2026. The tour aimed to broaden their technological perspectives, deepen their understanding of industry practices, and expose them to emerging innovations in computing and information technology.
The educational tour was led and supported by Dr. Ephraim Basal Jr., MSCS, DIT, Academic Supervisor of the BSCS Program, and Mr. Robert A. Aguilar, MIT, Academic Supervisor of the BSIT Program. Through their leadership and guidance, students had opportunities to connect theoretical foundations with practical applications, explore professional environments, and develop competencies aligned with the evolving demands of the global digital economy.
Throughout the six-day engagement, students visited technology companies, government institutions, transportation facilities, and higher education institutions. These engagements highlighted the applications of computer science, information technology, robotics, industrial automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
Industry Exposure: Exploring Technology in Action
FELTA Multi-Media Inc. – Educational Technology, Robotics, and Digital Learning
FELTA Multi-Media Inc. is a Philippine-based educational technology provider established in 1966, offering learning resources, instructional technologies, and technology-enhanced educational solutions. The company’s initiatives demonstrate how digital tools, robotics, and interactive learning environments can enrich teaching and learning experiences.
The visit enabled students to appreciate the role of educational technology in developing computational thinking, technical proficiency, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities. It also emphasized the importance of integrating emerging technologies into modern educational environments to cultivate digitally competent and innovation-driven learners.
Hytec Power Inc. – Industrial Automation, Robotics, and Engineering Systems
Hytec Power Inc. provides industrial and educational technologies, specializing in engineering training equipment, robotics, mechatronics, and automation systems. Its solutions support technical education and workforce development by connecting academic instruction with practical engineering applications.
During the visit, students gained insights into the integration of intelligent systems, automated processes, and engineering technologies in industrial operations. The experience underscored the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, systems integration, and technological innovation in addressing contemporary industrial challenges.
Light Rail Transit (LRT) – Transportation Infrastructure and Intelligent Systems
The visit to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system provided students with a broader appreciation of the technological infrastructure underpinning modern urban transportation. Railway operations rely on interconnected systems encompassing train control, signaling, telecommunications, passenger information, automated ticketing, surveillance, and operational monitoring.
These applications illustrate how computer systems, network infrastructure, automation technologies, and real-time information processing contribute to transportation efficiency, passenger safety, and operational reliability. The experience highlighted the role of computing professionals in designing, maintaining, and improving technology-driven public infrastructure.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) – Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, and Cybercrime Prevention
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) plays a significant role in coordinating national initiatives against cybercrime and promoting cybersecurity awareness in the Philippines.
The engagement introduced students to the importance of cybercrime prevention, incident reporting, digital security, and responsible technology utilization. It also reinforced the relevance of digital evidence, data privacy, information security, and ethical computing practices in protecting individuals, institutions, and organizations from emerging cyber threats.
The visit emphasized that future computing professionals must possess not only technical expertise but also a strong commitment to cybersecurity, digital responsibility, and the ethical use of information systems.
Concentrix Technical Products and Services (TPS) – Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Digital Transformation
Concentrix is a global technology and services company that supports organizations in enhancing business performance and customer experiences through digital solutions, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise technology.
The engagement with its Technical Products and Services (TPS) organization provided students with insights into technology-enabled business operations, enterprise solutions, technical services, and digital transformation initiatives. Students gained a deeper appreciation of how technology professionals contribute to software and platform solutions, data-informed decision-making, process optimization, and the development of innovative business services.
A major highlight of the visit was the Mini Ideathon, an interactive innovation activity that challenged students to collaborate, identify practical problems, formulate creative concepts, and present technology-oriented solutions.
This activity fostered critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, effective communication, analytical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving—essential competencies for aspiring computer scientists and IT professionals. It also encouraged students to approach technological challenges with an innovation mindset and a solution-oriented perspective.
Academic Exchange: Learning from Leading Universities
Complementing the industry engagements, academic visits to San Beda University – Manila, the University of the East (UE) – Manila, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) provided opportunities for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and exploration of contemporary computing education.
These institutional engagements allowed students to gain broader perspectives on computing curricula, specialized laboratories, technological resources, academic practices, and emerging developments in computer science and information technology. They also strengthened the connection between higher education and industry-relevant competencies, reinforcing the importance of continuous academic development and institutional collaboration.
The University of San Agustin extends its sincere appreciation to the academic leaders and representatives of these institutions for their hospitality, generosity, and commitment to fostering meaningful academic engagement.
The university extends its gratitude to:
- Dr. Jennifer T. Carpio – Chairperson, Information Technology Department, San Beda University – Manila
- Prof. Ma. Teresa F. Borebor – Dean, College of Computer Studies and Systems (CCSS), University of the East – Manila
- Asst. Prof. Christopher D. Ladao, MSCS – Dean, College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS), University of Santo Tomas
The university sincerely thanks these academic leaders and their respective institutions for welcoming the students, sharing their expertise, and providing opportunities for meaningful academic exchange. Their support contributed to broadening the students’ educational perspectives and strengthening their appreciation of academic excellence, technological innovation, and professional development.
These engagements further emphasized the value of inter-university collaboration in advancing computing education, sharing effective academic practices, and preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of the technology sector.
Connecting Academic Learning with Industry Excellence
The CS and IT Educational Tour 2026: From Campus to Industry was more than an academic excursion; it was a learning experience that brought classroom concepts to life through direct exposure to professional environments, institutional practices, and real-world technological applications.
From educational technology and industrial automation to intelligent transportation systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, enterprise solutions, and advanced computing education, each destination enriched students’ understanding of the diverse and rapidly evolving technology landscape.
The combination of industry immersion and university engagement strengthened students’ awareness of emerging career pathways while encouraging them to become adaptable, analytical, ethical, and innovation-driven professionals. The experience also reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological agility, and professional responsibility in an increasingly interconnected and digitally transformed world.
Through initiatives such as this educational tour, the University of San Agustin, through its Computer Science and Information Technology programs under the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education (CLASE), reaffirms its commitment to delivering transformative learning experiences that integrate academic rigor, experiential learning, industry engagement, and career readiness.
By connecting students with industry practitioners, technology-driven organizations, and distinguished academic institutions, the university continues to nurture future-ready graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to technological advancement and digital innovation.
Learning Today. Innovating Tomorrow.
The journey from campus to industry represents more than the acquisition of knowledge—it is a step toward professional growth, purposeful innovation, and lifelong discovery.
As future computer scientists and IT professionals move forward, may this experience inspire them to transform ideas into solutions, embrace emerging technologies, and make meaningful contributions to society through computing and digital innovation.
Learning beyond the classroom. Connecting with innovation. Collaborating with excellence. Preparing for the future.
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