The College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of Bulacan State University traces its beginnings to the establishment of the Computer Department in 1989 under the former College of Industrial Technology of the Bulacan College of Arts and Trade (BCAT). At the time, the department offered the two-year Computer Technician Course and was staffed by pioneering computer educators Mr. Alexander S. dela Paz and Mr. Fausto S. Hilario, with the latter serving as Area Chairman. Operating with two computer laboratories and a limited number of computer units, the department introduced students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and laid the foundation for computing education within the institution. As the demand for computer-related education increased during the early 1990s, the department gradually expanded its instructional offerings, laboratory resources, and faculty complement. The growth of computer education within the institution led to the establishment of the BCAT Computer Center, which was responsible for delivering computer-related instruction and technological services to the college’s various academic units. The conversion of BCAT into Bulacan State University in 1996 marked a significant milestone in the institution’s development and opened new opportunities for expanding computing education. Recognizing the growing importance of information technology in higher education and workforce development, university leaders pursued the strengthening of the Computer Center as a dedicated academic unit. Through the initiative of Mr. Fausto S. Hilario and with the approval of the University Board of Regents, the Computer Center was elevated in 1999 into the Institute of Computer Education (ICE), with Mr. Hilario serving as its first Director. As the university’s academic unit for computing education, ICE assumed responsibility for the Bachelor in Industrial Technology major in Computer Technology and provided computer literacy courses to students from various colleges and institutes. During this period, the institute played an important role in promoting the integration of information technology into instruction, learning, and administrative functions across the university. Responding to the increasing demand for information technology professionals, the institute developed the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) program. Following approval by the University Board of Regents, the BSIT program was first offered in Academic Year 2001–2002. The program quickly attracted a growing student population and became one of the university’s major academic offerings in computing. During the same academic year, the Society of Web and Information Technology Students (SWITS) was established under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Valenzuela, creating opportunities for student leadership, professional development, and participation in academic and co-curricular activities. The graduation of the first batch of BSIT students in 2005 represented another important milestone in the development of information technology education at Bulacan State University. As enrollment continued to increase and the scope of academic programs expanded, the institute’s role likewise evolved to address the changing needs of the discipline and the growing demands of the information technology sector. Recognizing the increasing significance of information and communications technology education, the University Board of Regents approved the conversion of the Institute of Computer Education into the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) during Academic Year 2007–2008. The establishment of the college formalized its expanded responsibilities in instruction, research, extension, and technology-related initiatives, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its development.

Leadership Through the Years

The continued growth of CICT has been guided by administrators whose leadership has strengthened its academic programs, institutional processes, student development initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. As the founding head of the Institute of Computer Education and the first Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Fausto S. Hilario played a central role in establishing the foundations of computing education within the university and in leading the transition from a computer center to an institute and, eventually, to a college. From 2014 to 2016, the college was led by Dr. Jaime P. Pulumbarit, whose administration strengthened academic operations and institutional development initiatives that supported the continued growth of the college. From 2017 to 2019, Engr. Noemi P. Reyes served as the College Dean. During her tenure, CICT became increasingly active in both curricular and extracurricular activities, resulting in greater student and faculty participation in academic competitions, professional organizations, leadership programs, and university-wide engagements. From 2019 to 2021, the college was headed by Dr. Ma. Magdalena V. Gatdula, who advanced quality assurance initiatives, faculty development programs, and curriculum enhancement efforts that strengthened academic programs and institutional performance. From 2021 to 2023, Dr. Keno C. Piad served as Dean and provided leadership in curricular innovation, research development, industry engagement, and strategic planning, helping position the college to address emerging developments in information and communications technology. Since 2024, the college has been under the leadership of Dr. Digna S. Evale, whose administration continues to strengthen academic excellence, research productivity, innovation, industry collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement in support of the college’s long-term development goals.

Growth and Development

From an initial enrollment of approximately 100 students in its early years, the college has grown to serve more than 2,500 students across its various academic programs. This growth reflects the increasing demand for computing and information technology education and the college’s ongoing efforts to offer relevant, responsive academic programs. The expansion of the student population has been accompanied by substantial improvements in instructional facilities and learning resources. Today, the college maintains three Software Development Laboratories, two CISCO Networking Laboratories, one Server Laboratory, three Programming Laboratories, and several general-purpose computer laboratories that support instruction, research, skills development, and certification-related activities. These facilities provide students with opportunities to develop practical competencies through hands-on learning experiences using contemporary technologies and industry-standard tools. The development of the college is likewise reflected in the growth of its faculty complement. From fewer than fifteen faculty members during its formative years, CICT has expanded to more than eighty faculty members with expertise across various fields of information and communications technology. Most faculty members hold master’s and doctoral degrees aligned with their areas of specialization, while more than 50% hold professional certifications in software development, networking, cybersecurity, databases, data analytics, and related fields. These qualifications support the college’s commitment to maintaining academic quality and industry relevance. To strengthen the connection between academic preparation and professional practice, the college has established active partnerships with numerous institutions, including information technology companies, government agencies, and professional organizations, ranging from local enterprises to globally recognized firms. These collaborations support student internships, on-the-job training, faculty development initiatives, curriculum enhancement activities, professional certification programs, research collaborations, and graduate employment opportunities. Through these partnerships, the college ensures that its academic programs remain responsive to evolving industry requirements and technological developments.

Academic Expansion

As part of its commitment to curricular responsiveness and continuous improvement, the college introduced specialization tracks in Web and Mobile Application Development, Business Analytics, and Service Management during Academic Year 2018–2019. These specializations provided students with opportunities to develop competencies in emerging, high-demand areas of the information technology sector. The college entered another phase of academic expansion in Academic Year 2023–2024, introducing the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) program and adding the IT Infrastructure specialization. Together with the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) and Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) programs, these offerings reflect the college’s continuing efforts to respond to developments in computing, information systems, digital services, infrastructure management, and information management. Today, the College of Information and Communications Technology continues to be one of Bulacan State University’s primary academic units in computing and information technology. Guided by its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, industry engagement, and continuous improvement, the college remains dedicated to developing competent, ethical, and industry-responsive ICT professionals who can contribute to advancing technology and society.