Campus DEVCON aims to bring industry-relevant digital skills directly to schools by partnering with educational institutions across Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, preparing students for future digital careers through hands-on exposure to real-world collaboration tools and teamwork practices.

The project is undertaken by technology professionals in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental under DEVCON Visayas, as part of the ongoing revival of the DEVCON Bacolod–Negros Occidental Chapter, marking this initiative as just the beginning of a sustained effort to build a strong local pipeline of future-ready ICT talent.

Headed by Mary Joy Siglos and hosted by Bacolod Tay Tung High School, Campus DEVCON Tay Tung was successfully conducted as a campus-based learning activity aimed at strengthening digital collaboration and project management skills among Junior High School and Senior High School students.

In her message, Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, convenor of the Philippine ICT Innovation Network, encouraged students to enjoy the learning process and see their digital skills as part of a broader mission—to help build Bacolod City and Negros Occidental into a growing hub for ICT talent and digital innovation.

The initiative was organized through the school’s Design, Research, and Innovation Learning Laboratory (DRILL) and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Department, in collaboration with the Bacolod–Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNEFIT), DIWA – Digital Innovation for Women Advancement, and the Philippine ICT Innovation Network (PIIN).

Held at the BTTHS AVR, Campus DEVCON Tay Tung brought together student programming and technology enthusiasts for a hands-on learning session focused on Project and Collaboration Tools, addressing the growing need for structured teamwork, digital organization, and productivity skills in technology-driven environments.

The program featured learning sessions facilitated by DEVCON officers and industry experts, including Ross Monserate, IT Expert, and Gift Dionson, LPT, MSCS, Computer Science Professor from National University, who provided students with practical insights into the IT profession, real-world applications of technology, and emerging opportunities in the digital sector.

Students were introduced to commonly used industry platforms such as Jira, Notion, GitHub, Slack, and Trello, with Trello officially adopted as the primary tool used during the workshop. Through guided exercises, participants learned how to organize tasks, assign roles, and manage simple projects—mirroring workflows used in professional tech teams.

Technical mentoring and on-site support were provided by IT professional volunteers Mitzi Faye Villanueva and Edwin Richbald A. Salinas, contributing to the smooth conduct of the activity and sustained student engagement throughout the session.

Coordination with the host school was facilitated by Mina Retita-Uhlmann, LPT, BTTHS–DRILL Officer, and Sophie Oghayon, LPT, MaEd, Head of the Tay Tung ICT Department, ensuring alignment with the school’s academic objectives. Faculty support was provided by Oliver D. Pavillar, who served as faculty chaperone.

Student leaders Grace Faith Villas, Jenny Rose Mondejar, Ralph Vincent Acuña, April Linaja, Lance Tarrazona, and Icelyn Adrino played active roles in organizing and participating in the activity, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and strong interest in technology and innovation.

Campus DEVCON Tay Tung underscores the importance of school–industry collaboration in developing future-ready students and advancing digital skills development at the local level, reinforcing ongoing efforts to bring practical, real-world technology learning directly to campus communities.

DEVCON BACOLOD & NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

The core group for the re-organization of DEVCON is led by Mary Joy Siglos, who serves as President, providing overall leadership and strategic direction in advancing the organization’s mission and programs. Supporting the leadership team is Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Executive Director, who oversees program development, partnerships, and the implementation of initiatives aligned with innovation, digital development, and community engagement.

The operations of the organization are managed by Gift Dionson, LPT, MSCS, Vice President for Operations, ensuring the effective execution of programs and organizational activities. The children’s initiatives are guided by Mina Retita, LPT, Vice President for the Kids Program, who leads efforts focused on early digital learning and youth development at the foundational level. Meanwhile, Ross Monserrate, Vice President for the Youth Program, spearheads initiatives designed to empower young people through technology, skills development, and innovation.

Technology initiatives and systems development are led by Edwin Salinas, Vice President for Technology, who oversees the organization’s technical direction and digital solutions. Complementing these efforts, Carnit George Cordova serves as Vice President for Community Development, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that programs remain responsive to community needs and inclusive growth objectives.

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