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Int’l co-teaching faculty makes his first virtual appearance at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT 

Feb 26 2025

 

Renowned tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Romel Romero, made his first virtual appearance at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø – Iligan Institute of Technology (²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT) this week, marking a significant milestone in fostering global collaboration within higher education. Born in Yokosuka, Japan, and raised in California, United States, Romero has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering communities through technology, particularly in the Filipino diaspora.

Romero is the founder of several innovative ventures, including Good Day Communications, Dipster Development, and OJT Connect, a platform designed to connect students with on-the-job training opportunities that enhance their career prospects and skill development. His contributions to the technology sector have earned him widespread recognition, including being named one of the 2024 Leaders of Influence in Technology by the San Diego Business Journal and featured in the 2023 Honorary Listees of Marquis Who’s Who of America.

A celebrated keynote speaker, Romero has inspired audiences across multiple institutions, such as the Polytechnic Universities of the Philippines, Pangasinan State Universities, and The Manila Times College. He has also shared his insights on prominent media platforms like CNN Philippines, ABS-CBN News, One News PH, Manila Times TV, TV5, BNC, The Freeman Newspaper, and People’s Television Network. His thought leadership highlights the transformative power of technology in driving positive change.

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Romero is deeply passionate about social impact. He actively supports meaningful causes, such as donating electronic gadgets to rural universities to facilitate distance learning and spearheading an on-the-job training program for technology and business graduates. These efforts underscore his dedication to both personal fulfillment and societal progress.

For the second semester of the Academic Year 2024–2025, Romero joins ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT as an International Co-Teaching Faculty, collaborating with Asst. Prof. Stefany Mae Caparida from the College of Computer Studies (CCS). Together, they are co-teaching CCC102: Computer Programming 2 – Object-Oriented Programming, a core course that equips students with essential programming skills and prepares them for real-world challenges in software development.

Asst. Prof. Caparida, a dedicated educator and advocate for the Filipino youth in the field of technology, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. “I am always inspired by the efforts of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT to push its boundaries at the international level, and having Mr. Romero as a co-teaching faculty brings immense value to our students,” she said. “His industry expertise and global perspective provide practical insights that complement the theoretical foundation we teach in class. This partnership exemplifies how academia and industry can work hand-in-hand to prepare students for success.”

During his virtual session on February 24, Romero engaged students in discussions about real-world applications of software and hardware projects, offering invaluable industry insights. His expertise aligns seamlessly with the Fourfold Functions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their Key Result Areas (KRAs): Pillar 1: Education; Pillar 2: Research and Innovation; Pillar 3: Student Support.

Student feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive. Klyn Samson, a 1st-year BS Computer Applications student, said, “The experience has been highly valuable for both me and my fellow students. While the school provides us with essential knowledge and skills that will be invaluable in the future, the guidance and insights from someone who has firsthand experience in the industry offer a unique and practical perspective. As a student who strives to be both academically proficient and street-smart, I found the speaker’s insights particularly valuable. I believe these lessons will serve me well in my future endeavors.”

Melvin Raphael Anggot of the same block also added, “The session allowed me to view my research from a more professional perspective and recognize its shortcomings and areas for improvement. I realized that while having support for my chosen stakeholder is a strong concept, it lacks long-term viability and may eventually fade away. Furthermore, securing data is crucial, as deleting an integral component could disrupt the entire system. Overall, the session provided valuable insights and advice from a seasoned expert, helping us streamline our project for future success.”

Romero is set to visit ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT in person this coming April 2025, where he will share more about his initiatives and engage directly with the university’s brilliant students and employees. His upcoming visit promises to further strengthen ties between academia and industry, paving the way for innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities.

Through his involvement at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT, Romero exemplifies how global leaders can contribute to local educational ecosystems, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. He also aims to promote ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT as the best school in Mindanao. As the university continues to uphold its mission of producing world-class graduates, partnerships like these serve as a testament to the boundless potential of cross-cultural collaboration.

 

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