BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan – Faculty leaders and researchers from Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) joined hundreds of engineering professionals at the 5th International and 13th National Convention and General Assembly of the Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP), held from November 19–21, 2025, at the Paradise Garden Resort & Convention Center.

The three-day summit, spearheaded by Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, PCpE—CHED Commissioner and ICpEP National President—centered on the theme “ONE ICpEP: Optimizing Nation-Building Thru Engineering.” The event brought together the country’s top technical minds to discuss the role of computer engineering in national development.

Leading the Conversation on AI Adding to the university’s prestige at the convention was Dr. Felipe P. Vista IV, NISU’s University Director for Research & Development Services and a DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist. Dr. Vista served as a resource speaker, delivering a compelling talk titled "Computer Engineers & Their Role in AI for Smart & Sustainable Communities."

His presentation resonated strongly with the convention's theme, challenging engineers to look beyond code and hardware and instead focus on how Artificial Intelligence can be deployed to build resilient, smart communities—a vision shared for higher education institutions.

 

 

The NISU delegation featured key academic leaders ensuring the university remains at the forefront of engineering education:

• Engr. Ronald D. Derla, Chair of the Bachelor of Industrial Technology (Major in Electrical Technology), represented the university’s industrial technology sector, participating in sessions regarding the integration of electrical and computer engineering standards.
• Dr. Herman B. Acla, Faculty of the College of Information and Computing Studies (CICS), and Chairperson for Scientific Publications, participated to strengthen the university’s capability in information technology and engineering research publications.

The delegation joined Dr. Apag and other national officers in the general assembly, affirming NISU's support for the organization's mandate to professionalize and elevate the computer engineering practice in the Philippines.

The participation of the NISU delegation highlights a unified effort to produce globally competitive Filipino engineers. By participating in such high-caliber dialogues, Northern Iloilo State University continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution ready to contribute to national development through science and technology.