Herman Lagon
The Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council held its inaugural meeting this Friday, January 17, 2025, at the ISATU Conference Room in La Paz, Iloilo City. Hosted by Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), the gathering marked the first regional collaboration of CIOs and Management Information Systems (MIS) heads from 10 SUCs in Western Visayas. The event began with a courtesy call to Dr. Ross Allen Napud, ISAT U Vice President of Administration and Finance, followed by the meeting led by Dr. Louie Cervantes and Dir. Reynard Chu.
The council was formally established with a vision to lead digital transformation in higher education, promoting collaboration among SUCs for sustainable, technology-driven solutions. It hopes to be given recognition by the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) as one of its arms in technological advancement.
In attendance in the regional meeting are representatives from Aklan State University (ASU), Capiz State University (CAPSU), Central Philippine State University (CPSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), University of Antique (UA), and West Visayas State University (WVSU).
Membership includes two representatives per SUC, with one being the ICT/MIS operations head. Interim officers were also elected: WVSU’s Dr. Cervantes (Chairperson), NISU’s Dr. Anrem Balontong (Vice Chairperson), ISUFST’s Dr. Herman Lagon (Secretary), and NISU’s Atty. Zarian Leyn Gasapo (Constitution and Bylaws Lead).
Key resolutions focused on ICT compliance, including a standardized checklist for mandates like Data Privacy Notices, Freedom of Information (FOI), and cybersecurity policies. The council also aims to produce a regional compliance report by the end of 2025. To facilitate collaboration, a secure group chat and shared drive will be established, led by Sir Jacinto Valera (UA). Strategic goals include developing peer evaluation mechanisms and defining CIO mandates for measurable technological advancements.
The next meeting is set this March at Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Estancia, Iloilo, with NISU President and RASUC Chairperson Dr. Bobby Gerardo and DICT Regional Director Ralph Joseph Moncatar as invited guests. Discussions on AI initiatives and process improvements capped the day-long meeting. (PAMMCO)
