Interim CIO Council Formed to Drive Digital Transformation in WV SUCs

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The Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council held its first meeting on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Conference Room in La Paz, Iloilo City.

The event, hosted by ISAT U, marked the initial collaboration among CIOs and Management Information Systems (MIS) heads from 10 state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas.

The day began with a courtesy call to Dr. Ross Allen Napud, ISAT U Vice President for Administration and Finance, followed by the meeting chaired by Dr. Louie Cervantes and Director Reynard Chu.

The council was formally established to spearhead digital transformation in higher education, fostering collaboration among SUCs to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions. It seeks official recognition as a technological advancement arm of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC).

Representatives from Aklan State University (ASU), Capiz State University (CAPSU), Central Philippine State University (CPSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), ISAT U, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), State University of Northern Negros (SUNN), University of Antique (UA), and West Visayas State University (WVSU) attended the meeting.

Each SUC is represented by two members, one of whom oversees ICT or MIS operations. The council also elected interim officers: Dr. Louie Cervantes of WVSU (Chairperson), Dr. Anrem Balontong of NISU (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Herman Lagon of ISUFST (Secretary), and Atty. Zarian Leyn Gasapo of NISU (Constitution and Bylaws Lead).

Key resolutions emphasized compliance with ICT mandates, including the standardization of Data Privacy Notices, Freedom of Information (FOI), and cybersecurity policies. The council plans to release a regional compliance report by the end of 2025.

To streamline communication and collaboration, Sir Jacinto Valera of UA will oversee the creation of a secure group chat and shared drive. The council also aims to develop peer evaluation mechanisms and establish defined CIO mandates to achieve measurable technological advancements.

The next meeting is scheduled for March at Northern Iloilo State University in Estancia, Iloilo. NISU President and RASUC Chairperson Dr. Bobby Gerardo and DICT Regional Director Ralph Joseph Moncatar are among the invited guests.

The inaugural meeting concluded with discussions on artificial intelligence initiatives and process improvement strategies.