Midyear 2025 Interns with the UPOU ICTDO Team
The UP Open University (UPOU) Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) successfully concluded its 2025 Midyear Internship Program, which ran from 16 June to 31 July 2025. A total of 18 student interns from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) participated in the program, gaining valuable hands-on experience in systems development while creating practical solutions to enhance UPOU’s operations.
Guided by ICTDO personnel and faculty mentors, the interns collaborated in pairs to develop innovative tech-based solutions aimed at enhancing various aspects of UPOU operations. Their final outputs reflected practical applications of their skills and creativity, covering areas such as internal communication, inventory, HR systems, and digital tools for UPOU’s administrative and operational needs. The interns included Mark Erwin Pesino, Ken Vincent Francisco, Aubrey Audije, Rafael Carlos Landicho, Vivekjeet Singh Chambal, Bernard Jezua Tandang, Jan Neal Isaac Villamin, Denisse Jennievive Alcantara, Yuval Gabriel Llamas, Mark Lawrence Pangilinan, John Christian Peñaranda, Ron Dennis Comia, Orlando Binungcal, Paolo Andres Alipio, Hannah Louisse Unite, E.J. Paolo Magpantay, Summer San Diego, and Riel Jefferson Morales.
To recognize their efforts, the interns participated in a final presentation and awarding session where selected groups received the Best Presenter Award for their outstanding outputs. Awardees included Hannah Louisse Unite and E.J. Paolo Magpantay, John Christian Peñaranda and Ron Dennis Comia, and Mark Erwin Pesino, who were commended for their excellent delivery and impactful solutions during the presentations.
Hannah Louisse Unite and E.J. Paolo Magpantay receive the Best Presenter Award for their outstanding performance during the final presentation of the Midyear 2025 ICTDO Internship Program.
John Christian Peñaranda and Ron Dennis Comia are awarded Best Presenter in recognition of their exceptional delivery and contribution to the internship program.
Mark Erwin Pesino is recognized as a Best Presenter Awardee for his commendable presentation and innovative work during the internship.
The internship program was led by Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene Clariño as the ICTDO Internship Head, with support from Bernard Paolo Secreto as Assistant Head.
In his closing remarks, ICTDO Director Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy reminded the interns of the greater purpose behind their work and the values that define the UP community:
“As said by President Angelo Jimenez, it’s not only honor and excellence — but what is the third component? Honor, excellence, and service. Lahat tayo, we are maroon-blooded, right? Ang dugong nananalaytay sa atin ay kulay maroon. Just don’t forget that at the end of the day, whatever system you develop in the future, whatever you deploy in the future — we innovate with a purpose. We innovate because someone will benefit from whatever we develop. And we, as IT and CS people, are in the best position to do that. As UP students and employees — again — honor, excellence, and service. We serve the country. Huwag nating kakalimutan na ‘malayong lupain, atin mang marating, hindi rin magbabago ang damdamin’. Lahat tayo ay pinag-aaral ng taumbayan, and everyone — the Filipino nation — has to benefit from whatever we develop and innovate.”
Through this program, the interns not only gained hands-on experience but also developed meaningful systems that advance UPOU’s mandate of providing accessible, quality education through open and distance learning.
Written by Shaira Tanay | Edited by Reinald Pugoy, Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas | Photos by Alexiss Bigal
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