The UP Open University (UPOU) Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) recently concluded its internship program, hosting sixteen interns from the Institute of Computer Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and one from De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D). The interns’ successful conclusion of the internship program was officially recognized on 7 and 15 August 2024, at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The program provided participants with practical experience in systems and software development, aimed at preparing them for careers in the IT industry.
Running from 24 June to 15 August 2024, the internship program involved mentorship from Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy, ICTDO Director; Asst. Prof. Cecille Moldez, ICTDO Program Development Associate for Administration; Asst. Prof. Joel De Castro, Faculty of Education Faculty member; Dr. Myra Almodiel, Office of Public Affairs Director; Mr. Joshua Sta. Rita, IT Security Specialist; Mr. Eriberto Roxas, Senior Systems Administrator; Mr. Adriane Jennel Alarcon, Junior ICT Associate; and Mr. Renz Magsino, Information Systems Researcher III. Nine teams of interns worked on a variety of projects developing web applications and systems to streamline various university processes.
In data management, SSIS consolidates server and ICT subscription records to enhance security and decision-making, while Q-NEKT aids the Quality Assurance Office in securely managing data from faculty, offices, and students. For course and account management, ABACUS automates the creation of course sites and user accounts in Moodle, and Project Tailorbird allocates faculty teaching loads and generates reports. To enhance learner support, GabAI offers course recommendations through a chatbot, and an Ollama-Based Chatbot aids the university’s MOOC platform with customizable prompts. OPASS simplifies scheduling and request handling for the Office of Public Affairs and Cyberhub offers a centralized platform that strengthens cybersecurity across the university.
During the recognition ceremony, certificates of completion were awarded to the interns. Dr. Pugoy commended the interns for their dedication and hard work throughout the internship program. Special awards were also given for their outstanding achievements.
- OJT Excellence Awardees:
- Loise Jabson Rada and Quim Zyrelle Ramos
- Jallen Rose T. Manalo and Joseph D. Tuazon
- OJT Merit Awardees:
- Diana Marie Compahinay and John Philip Ruart Rañosa
- William Nathan Abellanida and Von Ramwel J. Nicolas
- OJT Presentation Awardee: Gianni Manuel A. Tena
The ceremony not only celebrated the interns’ achievements but also underscored UPOU’s commitment to fostering excellence in the educational and professional development of ICT students. As technology continues to advance, the OJT program underscores the crucial role of hands-on learning and practical experience for future computer science professionals.
The ICTDO accepts internship applications year-round. Interested students are encouraged to apply through the provided https://url.upou.edu.ph/ictdo-ojt or reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Written by Shaira Tanay and Kristine Cortejo ♦ Edited by Reinald Adrian Pugoy and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Contributed by UPOU ICTDO