The Bulacan Information Technology Educators Society (BITES) held their 1st General Assembly and Election of Officers on the 20th of July 2023 with the theme “Building Future-Ready IT Educators: Exploring Salesforce in Education”, which took place at the Function Hall of Bulacan State University’s (BulSU) E-Library at 9:00 am.

The assembly officially began with an opening prayer followed by the National Anthem.

“Future-ready refers to what exactly it implies. We must embrace being visionaries. Students need to be familiar and exposed to technology because it is the foundation of the modern world.” – Dr. Teody San Andres, BulSU’s Executive Vice President, in his opening remarks.

Moreover, Dr. Keno Piad, the Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT)and President of BITES, delivered his inspirational message and the upcoming projects for BITES. “This is a dream to me and it became a reality. Ito yung pangarap natin na mapalakas ang IT Education dito sa Bulacan. As we embark on this journey, our vision as BITES is to create a thriving system.” Mr. Piad said.

The event’s host, Engr. Lester Phil Cruz, the college secretary, moved on to introduce the guest speakers. The first speaker, Mr. Nelson Puah, delivered his informative presentation which focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Salesforce. Followed by the Capgemini Philippines Representative, Mr. Ryan Ericson Canlas, who spoke about his experience with Salesforce and the successful stories of people in the industry.

Furthermore, Mr. Lloyd Patrick Basquina, Accenture Representative and Salesforce IPS Technical Consultant, tackles Career Growth and his personal experience in the IT industry. Followed by the presentation of the Provincial Head of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Engr. Mario Antonio V. Aya-Ay. He listed the numerous upcoming projects and programs of DICT such: as Broadband ng Masa, National Broadband Program: Government Network, ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, and many more.

Dr. Clarissa Vicente formally introduced Hon. Daniel R. Fernando, the Provincial Governor of Bulacan and the keynote speaker of the event. “The advancement of technology has vastly helped us. Maging responsable nawa sa paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya. Sa mga bagong magiging opisyal ng BITES, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang magandang nasimulan ng inyong samahan.” – Gov. Fernando on his support to BITES and its upcoming innovations.

In line with this, Mr. Romeo Inasoria, the Chancellor of BulSU – Main Campus, acknowledged several schools around Bulacan for sending their delegates to participate in the assembly, which also includes several satellite campuses of BulSU.

After the presentations, anyone from the audience was allowed to ask the event’s speakers about their concerns and questions. Following was the election for new BITES board members. Ms. Regina Mape, BITES Secretary, explained the election method and its protocols, reminding everyone that only the top 6 will be welcomed as the new board members of BITES.

Initially, there were 16 candidates but only 11 made it to the final list. After tallying, the host revealed the names of the Top 6 candidates. Ms. Imelda Reyes, from Centro Escolar Integrated School, garnered 22 votes making her the highest pointer among the 11 candidates. Other winning candidates were: Mr. Paulo Victoria, Mr. Vergil Del Monte, Ms. Mary Ann Valentino, Ms. Jennifer Anne Repaso, and Ms. Romelsa Romero.

Here is the new list of BITES Officers:

Dr. Keno Piad – President;

Ms. Clarissa Vicente – VP for Internal Affairs;

Ms. Josan Tamayo – VP for External Affairs;

Ms. Regina Mape – Secretary;

Ms. Imelda Reyes – Asst. Secretary;

Mr. Joseph Espino – Treasurer;

Ms. Sheryl Ellamil – Auditor;

Ms. Romelsa Romero – Director of Professional Development; Ms. Jennifer Anne Repaso and Ms. Leah Sansano – Directors of Communications and Public Relations;

Ms. Rowena Bakingkito – Director of Industry Partnerships;

Ms. Mary Ann Valentino – Director of Research and Innovation; Mr. Rowell Santos – Director of Advocacy and Policy; and

Mr. Paulo Victoria and Mr. Vergil Del Monte – Directors of Membership.

The event concluded with the new set of BITES officers and board of directors, and Dr. Keno Piad gave his final announcements and closing remarks. – John Exekiel De Guzman