Bohol, PH — The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) made a remarkable impact as it presented its cutting-edge research and development (R&D) projects in quantum computing and its simulation (QCS), artificial intelligence (AI), Internet-of-Things (IoT), blockchain technology, and natural language processing (NLP) to IT educators at the 18th Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) Central Visayas Regional Convention. 

Held last 4-6 May 2023 with the theme “18 years of Leading the Information Technology Education through Innovation and Transformation,” the convention attracted 140 IT educators from across the Central Visayas region who are eager to explore the latest trends and innovations in IT education. 

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue highlighted in her keynote speech the need for educators and students to expand their roles and consider their impact on the community. She emphasized that thinking creatively, challenging the status quo, and adapting to new technologies are crucial steps toward empowering individuals to become leaders in the IT field.  

Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Lead of Quantum Computing Research, with DICT Undersecretary Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, keynote speaker.

The Tech Talks series kicked off with Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, presenting "The Emerging Field of Quantum Computing and Its Potential Impact on Information Technology." He extensively discussed the emerging field of quantum computing and its potential impact on various industries, particularly information technology, the fundamental differences between classical and quantum computing, and the potential applications of quantum computing in medical research, logistics, energy, climate modeling, and IT. He also presented the current efforts of DOST-ASTI in relation to quantum computing and the Quantum Circuit Simulation (QCS) Project. 

Mr. Jeffrey A. Aborot, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Lead of Quantum Computing Research, presenting on "The Emerging Field of Quantum Computing and Its Potential Impact on Information Technology.” Also in this photo is Mr. Benjie Lenteria (right), Master of Ceremonies and PSITE 7 Press Relations Officer from Mater Dei College.

Ms. Nia Bernise F. Fabay presented the Gul.ai Project as an innovative platform in her lecture presentation titled "AI- and IoT-based Plant-growing System: The Future of Agriculture." By integrating AI and the Internet of Things, she explained the potential benefits of improved automation, crop monitoring, livestock tracking, predictive maintenance, and efficient decision-making in agriculture, leading to more sustainable practices, enhanced productivity, and improved resource utilization. The Gul.ai Project is envisioned to address the lack of interest in agriculture among Filipino youth by promoting AI and IoT in agriculture and crop science. 

Ms. Nia Bernise F. Fabay, Science Research Specialist I, presenting the IoT-based automated phenotyping platform Gul.ai Project in her lecture presentation titled "AI- and IoT-based Plant-growing System: The Future of Agriculture."

Engr. Julius Noah H. Sempio, Senior AI Engineer of the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine Project (ASTI-ALaM), discussed the role of AI in IT education and geospatial applications in his presentation titled "The ASTI-ALaM Project - Utilizing Aerial Imagery for Powerful Assessment Tools." His presentation highlighted the controversies surrounding AI, the importance of a strong foundation in statistics education for those interested in working in this domain, and the government's efforts to regulate the AI industry. He also featured the work of ASTI-ALaM in geospatial data processing and pre-training AI/ML models for various applications and an online model store for hosting the developed models. 

Engr. Julius Noah H. Sempio, Senior Science Research Specialist and Senior AI Engineer of the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine Project (ASTI-ALaM), discussing AI/ML in IT education and geospatial applications in his presentation titled "The ASTI-ALaM Project - Utilizing Aerial Imagery for Powerful Assessment Tools."

Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr., S&T Fellow I, addressed the challenges faced by IT educators during the pandemic and stressed the importance of research in improving teaching in his presentation titled "Education, Biotechnology, and Digital Twin Technology: Opportunities for ICT Educators." He shared his previous research engaging students in an online group project-based engineering course, highlighting the positive correlation between teamwork competency and individual learner satisfaction. He also called upon the higher education teachers in attendance to conduct research while simultaneously fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. Moreover, he discussed the research opportunities in biotechnology and the digital representation of physical products, processes, or systems for simulating, integrating, testing, monitoring, and maintenance. 

Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr., S&T Fellow I, presenting on the importance of research in improving teaching in his presentation titled "Education, Biotechnology, and Digital Twin Technology: Opportunities for IT Educators." He also discussed the research opportunities in biotechnology and the digital representation of physical products, processes, or systems

Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante talked about the basics of blockchain technology in her presentation titled "Unlocking the Potential of Blockchain: Exploring Applications and Use Cases for Emerging Economies.” By comparing blockchain technology to traditional database systems, she showcased its potential in disrupting traditional business models, especially in finance and healthcare while emphasizing the importance of understanding the technology's implications and potential risks. Ms. Aviñante also highlighted the efforts of DOST-ASTI in blockchain R&D through the DataProtect Project. She challenged IT educators to propose projects related to blockchain technology and encouraged them to tap the resources of DOST for capacity building. 

Ms. Roxanne S. Aviñante, Senior Science Research Specialist, presenting on "Unlocking the Potential of Blockchain: Exploring Applications and Use Cases for Emerging Economies” and its potential in disrupting traditional business models.

Finally, Ms. Michelle P. Neverida discussed natural language processing as an interface to relational databases in her presentation titled "NLP: Its Application to Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)." Her presentation featured the iTANONG Project, a natural language querying engine (NLQE) that enables non-technical users to search for relevant information from a database by asking questions in Filipino, English, or Taglish, languages that Filipinos are comfortable with. By enabling non-technical users to access and search a database without requiring any knowledge of SQL or other technical skills, iTANONG can improve efficiency and productivity in various industries. 

Michelle P. Neverida, Science Research Specialist II, discussing natural language processing (NLP) as an interface to relational databases in her presentation titled "NLP: Its Application to Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)."

In addition to the lecture presentations, DOST-ASTI also set up a booth showcasing its cutting-edge R&D projects, including the groundbreaking photo-sharing application Kooha. The PSITE-7 Convention served as a platform for meaningful discussions and networking opportunities, encouraging the exchange of ideas, and fostering collaborations among IT educators in Central Visayas and DOST-ASTI. The Tech Talk sessions allowed attendees to deepen their understanding of these cutting-edge technologies and explore potential avenues for implementation or integration into their respective practices.

Ms. Nia Bernise F. Fabay, Science Research Specialist I, discussing the Gul.ai Project with an interested IT educator. The Gul.ai Project, an AI and IoT-assisted small-scale plant-growing system, aims to promote the study and practice of agriculture and crop science among Filipino youth.

Mr. John Kevin C. Abonita, Science Research Specialist II, engaging with curious IT educators to discuss DOST-ASTI's cutting-edge R&D projects during the 18th PSITE Central Visayas Regional Convention.

DOST-ASTI's cutting-edge R&D projects showcased during the convention exemplify the institute's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and driving progress in the IT industry. Through knowledge sharing, collaborative partnerships, and the application of emerging technologies, DOST-ASTI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of IT education and fostering technological advancements that contribute to the country's overall development.

DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s (DOST-ASTI) delegation at the 18th PSITE Central Visayas Regional Convention held from 4-6 May 2023 at Villa Tomasa Convention Center, Alona Kew White Beach Resort, Panglao, Bohol, with Dr. Jovelyn C. Cuizon (fifth from left), PSITE-7 Internal Vice-President from University of San Jose–Recoletos.