(Engr. Ma. Lea A. Martinez) The IT Department of San Beda College Alabang (SBCA), through the initiative of its co-curricular student organization—the Bedan IT Society (BITS)—successfully celebrated IT Week 2026 from January 26 to 30 with the theme “The BITS Story: To ITinity and Beyond.” Inspired by the beloved animated film Toy Story, the celebration creatively adapted a playful yet meaningful concept to promote technological awareness and innovation through interactive IT-focused activities, competitions, and seminars.
Anchored in its theme, IT Week aimed to enhance students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills through collaborative, challenge-based events. It also fostered creativity, engagement, and holistic student development through recreational and expressive activities that brought the entire IT community together.
The celebration formally opened on January 26, 2026, with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Pedro Cruz, OSB at the St. Bede Building Multi-Purpose Hall, with the assistance of the Bedan Liturgical Ministries. The opening ceremonies immediately followed, highlighted by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Prefect of Student Activities, Dr. Precy Baluarte, together with the IT Program Chair, Dr. Mark Cherwin Alejandria. The first day set an energetic tone with engaging activities such as the Family Feud game and various daily features, including the IT Fair, Beyond the Controller (PS5 Showcase), and Sing ‘N Syntax (Open Mic Karaoke), among others.
Several major events marked the week-long celebration. On January 27, students tested their analytical and collaborative skills in the Escape Room, a puzzle-solving adventure contest held at the Manny Reyes Hall, where teams worked together to crack IT-related challenges across multiple stations. On January 29, the department hosted a timely and relevant seminar entitled “Safeguarding the Digital Space: Understanding the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 of the Philippines” at the Tugade Auditorium.
The seminar, considered the highlight of IT Week, featured two distinguished speakers. Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, Director for Tertiary and Graduate Education, provided a legal overview and real-world applications of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175). Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Bernadette Bautista, Product Management Advisor at TransUnion and Professor in the SBCA Graduate School – MIT Program, delivered a comprehensive discussion on the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Organized in coordination with Eureka, the seminar offered both legal and technical insights into cybercrime prevention and data protection. More importantly, it challenged BSIT students to understand not only how technology works, but also how it can be misused—and how the law responds to these evolving challenges. Students were reminded to stay curious, stay ethical, and stay vigilant as responsible digital citizens committed to safeguarding the digital space.
The celebration culminated on January 30 with the Pixel-Premiere, a grand movie marathon featuring technology-inspired and animated classics, preceded by the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies. Atty. Chong delivered an inspiring message that not only commended the efforts of BITS and the participants but also encouraged them to continue developing innovative programs and initiatives in the years to come. Also present were Engr. Jerry Turingan, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), along with SET administrators and faculty members, whose unwavering support contributed significantly to the success of the entire celebration.
IT Week 2026 was more than a series of activities—it was a testament to the creativity, competence, and collaborative spirit of the Bedan IT community. True to its theme, “To ITinity and Beyond,” the celebration showcased how passion for technology, guided by ethics and innovation, can empower students to move forward with purpose.
Photo credits: Bedan Information Technology Society (BITS)
