Students filled the University Amphitheater as industry experts took the stage, ready to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world cybersecurity challenges. The air buzzed with anticipation as future IT professionals prepared to dive deep into the critical skills that would define their careers. This wasn’t just another lecture—it was a transformative moment in their educational journey.
UCU-CITE hosts IAS Summit 2025, empowers future IT professionals
Catalyst
The spark for this educational revolution came from a pressing need to strengthen cyber resilience in an increasingly digital world. On May 8, 2025, UCU College of Information and Technology Education (CITE) stepped up to address this challenge by hosting the “IAS Summit 2025: Strengthening Cyber Resilience” at the University Amphitheater.
The summit emerged from a clear mission: to equip students taking Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) with essential competencies that textbooks alone couldn’t provide. Meanwhile, the program’s architects recognized that cybersecurity, ethical hacking, data protection, and legal frameworks in the digital sphere required more than theoretical understanding—they demanded practical insights from seasoned professionals.
Rising Action
As the summit unfolded, distinguished speakers began sharing their expertise with the eager audience. Dr. Jefferson A. Costales, Director for Data Science at U.S. Industry and a Professor at Mapúa University, took center stage first. His presentation focused on a topic that many students had only encountered in academic contexts—ethical hacking education and its crucial role in modern IT curricula.
Dr. Costales didn’t simply lecture about techniques; instead, he emphasized the academic relevance of ethical hacking, encouraging critical engagement with the discipline. His approach challenged students to think beyond the surface level of cybersecurity concepts.
The room’s energy shifted as students realized they weren’t just learning about cybersecurity—they were preparing to become its guardians.
Turning Point
The summit reached its pivotal moment when Mr. Lester Fontanilla Barrozo stepped forward to share his expertise. As Director of the IT Division at the Baguio Country Club and a UCUian alumnus, he brought both industry experience and institutional connection to his presentation.
Suddenly, abstract concepts became concrete realities as Barrozo delivered an in-depth lecture on data privacy, carefully distinguishing it from general privacy concerns. Furthermore, he introduced key concepts that would become fundamental tools in the students’ professional arsenal: data loss prevention, encryption, and tokenization.
This wasn’t merely academic theory—it was practical knowledge from someone who had walked the same halls as these students and had successfully applied these principles in the professional world. The connection between education and real-world application became crystal clear.
Resolution
By organizing the IAS Summit 2025, the University reaffirmed its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and digital resilience. The event successfully demonstrated how academic institutions can bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional requirements.
The summit’s impact extended beyond individual student learning, establishing a framework for ongoing cybersecurity education initiatives that would benefit future cohorts. Students left the amphitheater with not just new knowledge, but with a clearer understanding of their roles in protecting digital infrastructure.
As these future IT professionals continue their academic journey, they carry forward the insights and inspiration gained from this transformative summit, better prepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenges that await them in their careers. The IAS Summit 2025 has set a new standard for how universities can empower students through direct engagement with industry expertise and practical applications of their studies.
