DMMMSU celebrates its success in co-organizing with National University – Manila the 1st International Conference in Information and Computing Research 2021 (iCORE2021). The conference which was held virtually on December 11 and 12, 2021 was anchored in the theme: “Adapting to the new normal: Advancing computing research for a post-pandemic society”.

DMMMSU collaboration with National University-Manila was made possible through the initiative of the College of Information Technology (CIT) of the Mid La Union Campus (MLUC) under the leadership of Dr. Alvin R. Malicdem.

During her opening remarks, Dr. Cynthia M. Rodriguez, VP for Research and Extension, underscored the need for additional data storage system, storage mechanism, and novel technology.  She further highlighted cloud computing which offers faster innovation and helps run infrastructure more efficiently.

“With the rapid advancement in technology, researches in various fields significantly help society to adopt to and thrive in the new normal,” she added.

On day-1 of the summit, three experts in the science of computing were invited as plenary speakers. They are Dr. Ts. Lau Bee Theng, Director for School Research and Associate Professor from the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia; Dr. Kardi Teknomo, from the Faculty of International Business Engineering in Petra Christian University, Indonesia; and Dr. Erika Fille Legara, Academic Program Director & Deputy Managing Director of the ACCeSs Lab Asian Institute of Management, Philippines.

After the plenary sessions, Dr. Malicdem, Conference General Co-Chair, introduced the 7 poster paper presenters.  Also, best papers for the two research tracks and sponsors awards were given. 

In addition, CIT students presented two papers : 1) “EL-service-YU: An Android Mobile Application For Errand Services” by Irene De Guzman, Allan Daryl Ancheta, Janica Suzzanne Catbagan, and Jahp Pulido, with Mr. Manny R.Hortizuela as their adviser; and 2) “P.E.T.E.R. Parking: Park Easier Through E-Recommended Parking Mobile Application” by Christian Leonell Torres Jefferson Osias, Von Russel Torres, Von Russel Torres, and Jerimar De Los Reyes with Ms. Marydel Estira as their adviser.

Furthermore, the conference featured workshop speakers namely Ms. Aika Basinillo, Senior Design Thinking Coach and Technical Architect of Accenture Philippines; and Mr. Erwin Duosjan, Senior Threat Researcher of Trend Micro Philipplines.

On day-2, research presenters were grouped into three parallel sessions each highlighting researches in artificial intelligence track, emerging technologies track, and e-services and data management track.

Meanwhile, CIT faculty members played active roles during the conference. Dr. Mark Kristian Ledda,  served as Conference Host; Dr. Eusebio L. Mique, Jr., MLUC Head for MIS, served as Session Co-chair in Artificial Intelligence Track; Prof. Marylen Rodriguez served as Session Chair  and Prof. Zhella Anne Nisperos as Session Co-chair in E-Services and Database Management Track; and Dr. Sheena I. Sapuay served as Session Chair in Emerging Technologies Track. Prof. Kenneth Bayani, University Director for Research, served as one the Conference Program Chairs.

When asked about his thoughts on the conduct of the said international conference, Dr. Malicdem mentioned that the conference strengthened their partnership with the different HEIs in the country and overseas.

“It helps foster research capability of faculty members and students which in turn will help in the attainment of the University’s mission and quality objectives,” he added.

The conference brought together industry practitioners, academicians, engineers, computing scientists, and researchers. Through this summit, student researchers had a chance to present and share novel research outputs in the areas of Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Computer and Electrical Engineering.

The conference International Advisory Board is composed of experts from Australia, Malaysia, UAE, England, and Indonesia. (Ayu)