The College of Business Administration (CBA) marked another significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement as it extended its expertise to students of the Philippine College of Science and Technology (PhilCST). The event, held on April 8, 2026, in Calasiao, Pangasinan brought together educators and aspiring IT professionals for an enriching learning experience centered on innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact.
Representing CBA were Dr. Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, Dean of the College of Business Administration, and Marga L. Taganas, BSBA Program Coordinator. As invited resource speakers, they delivered a comprehensive and forward-thinking session titled “Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AI Technologies in Capstone Project Implementation.”
Bridging Academic Knowledge and Real-World Impact
The session emphasized a paradigm shift in how capstone projects are conceptualized and developed. Moving beyond traditional academic requirements, the speakers encouraged students to design projects that serve a greater purpose, addressing real-world challenges while contributing to global development efforts. Central to the discussion were the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a universal blueprint for tackling pressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, education, and inequality. Students were guided on how to align their project ideas with specific SDGs, ensuring that their work remains relevant, purposeful, and impactful.
In parallel, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies was highlighted as a powerful tool for innovation. The speakers demonstrated how AI can be leveraged to create data-driven solutions, improve decision-making processes, and enhance the scalability of student-developed systems. By combining sustainability principles with emerging technologies, students were encouraged to think critically and creatively in solving complex societal problems.
Empowering Future IT Professionals
The workshop was attended by Information Technology students from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) of PhilCST, who are currently preparing for their capstone projects. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, the speakers provided valuable insights into project planning, implementation strategies, and evaluation techniques.
Students were not only introduced to conceptual frameworks but were also given hands-on opportunities to apply what they learned. A highlight of the event was the presentation of initial capstone ideas using NotebookLM, an AI-powered tool that supports research synthesis and idea development. The presentations showcased the students’ creativity, analytical thinking, and ability to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable solutions.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
Beyond knowledge sharing, the engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between academic institutions. The partnership between CBA and PhilCST reflects a shared vision of nurturing globally competent graduates equipped with both technical expertise and a strong sense of social responsibility.
The success of the session has also opened doors for future initiatives, including the possibility of a Faculty Exchange Program between CBA and the College of Computer Studies of PhilCST. Such collaborations aim to promote continuous learning, research development, and alignment with global educational and development standards.
As education continues to evolve in the face of rapid technological advancements and global challenges, initiatives like this serve as a testament to the vital role of academic institutions in shaping the future. By integrating sustainability and AI into student projects, CBA and PhilCST are not only enhancing academic outcomes but also empowering students to become agents of change.
This milestone event stands as a powerful reminder that education, when guided by purpose and innovation, can extend far beyond the classroom, creating meaningful solutions and contributing to a better, more sustainable world.