Shaping the Digital Frontier — My RAITE 2025 Experience



Shaping the Digital Frontier — My RAITE 2025 Experience

The Regional Assembly on Information Technology Education (RAITE) 2025, held on October 17, 2025, at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), Sumacab Campus, was an event that brought together Information Technology students, educators, and professionals from across Central Luzon. With the theme “I.T. Beyond Tomorrow: Shaping the Digital Frontier,” the assembly aimed to inspire the next generation of IT professionals to embrace innovation, ethical technology use, and future-ready skills.

Upon arriving at the venue, I could already feel the excitement in the atmosphere. Although the venue itself was not as comfortable as I had expected, it was filled with an enthusiastic crowd of students, professors, and guests eager to learn. Despite the minor inconveniences, the energy of the event made the experience worthwhile.

Learning and Insights from the Event

What made RAITE 2025 truly meaningful was the range of insightful talks from distinguished speakers. Among these, two sessions stood out for me:
Dr. Rodolfo C. Raga Jr.’s presentation titled “Beyond the Prompt: Transitioning Filipino Students from AI Users to AI Builders” and Dr. Gilbert M. Tumibay’s session “Smarter or Dumber: What Is AI Really Doing to Me?”

Dr. Raga’s talk challenged us to rethink our relationship with artificial intelligence. He emphasized that as students, we must go beyond merely using AI tools — we must strive to understand how they work, how they can be improved, and how they can be developed responsibly. He described the different AI skill profiles — users, builders, leaders, and trainers — encouraging us to aim to become AI builders, the innovators and architects who shape the systems that others rely on.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tumibay’s talk explored a more philosophical angle on technology, raising an important question: “Is AI making us smarter or dumber?” His insights struck a chord with me. As he explained, while AI makes information more accessible and tasks more efficient, it can also weaken our problem-solving skills if we rely too heavily on it. This reminded me that technology, no matter how advanced, should remain a tool to empower human intelligence — not replace it.

These two sessions complemented each other perfectly: one focused on empowerment through knowledge and innovation, while the other served as a reminder of responsibility and self-awareness. Together, they reshaped how I view my future role as a computer science professional — not just as a consumer of digital tools, but as someone who contributes to their development and ensures they are used ethically.

Embracing the Future of IT and Cybersecurity

Another highlight was the discussion on cybersecurity and digital workforce competitiveness, where speakers talked about the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act (RA 11927). This law supports the training and upskilling of Filipinos to prepare them for a globally competitive digital economy. It was encouraging to learn that 86% of education organizations in the Philippines are already using generative AI, and that nearly half of Filipinos have started adapting AI-powered tools in their studies and work.

For me, this was a powerful reminder that the Philippines is making real progress toward technological advancement. As someone aspiring to pursue a career in cybersecurity, this realization further strengthened my commitment to mastering the skills necessary to protect systems and people in the digital age. The connection between AI and cybersecurity was evident throughout the event — both are shaping the future, and both require continuous learning, innovation, and ethical awareness.

The Lighter Side of RAITE

Beyond the technical talks, RAITE 2025 also offered a fun and engaging atmosphere. The performances were lively, with amazing dancers, talented singers, and the Mr. and Ms. Ambassador of Goodwill pageant, which added a touch of excitement to the day. The contestants showcased not just beauty and confidence but also intelligence and passion, representing their schools with pride.

The short film competition was another standout moment for me. I felt a strong sense of pride watching our fellow Gordon College students participate and represent our institution. Their creativity and storytelling skills reminded me that the field of Information Technology is not only about coding and systems — it’s also about imagination, communication, and impact.

Despite the minor discomforts of the venue, the mix of academic enrichment and cultural celebration made the event both educational and enjoyable. It was refreshing to see how technology and art could come together in one inspiring event.

Personal Reflection and Takeaways

Attending RAITE 2025 was a fulfilling experience that broadened my understanding of what it means to be part of the IT community. It reminded me that being in this field is not just about keeping up with trends — it’s about shaping them responsibly. The discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation made me reflect on my own learning journey and career goals.

The idea that we, as students, are the future builders of technology resonated deeply with me. As someone aiming to specialize in cybersecurity, I realized how crucial it is to balance technical expertise with ethical decision-making. The knowledge shared during the event motivated me to continue improving my skills, stay informed about new technologies, and uphold the principles of responsible innovation.

Most importantly, this event reminded me that while technology continues to evolve, the human element — creativity, empathy, and critical thinking — remains irreplaceable. Our role as future IT professionals is not to let AI think for us, but to make AI think with us.

Conclusion

In summary, RAITE 2025 was more than just a regional assembly — it was a celebration of innovation, learning, and the limitless potential of IT students across Central Luzon. It provided both knowledge and inspiration, reminding us of our responsibility to use technology wisely and for the greater good.

While there were aspects that could be improved, such as the comfort of the venue, the quality of the speakers, the meaningful discussions, and the sense of community made the event a worthwhile experience. I walked away with new knowledge, renewed motivation, and a deeper appreciation for the future we are all helping to shape.

As the theme beautifully expressed, “I.T. Beyond Tomorrow: Shaping the Digital Frontier” — and indeed, RAITE 2025 reminded me that the future of technology is not just about machines or systems, but about the people who have the courage and curiosity to build them.

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