Inabanga, Bohol — The Project BYTE (Building Youth Through Technology Empowerment) officially held its closing ceremony on June 17, 2026 at the Inabanga College of Arts and Sciences (INB CAS), recognizing the accomplishments of its pioneering batch composed of ten (10) Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) third-year students and five (5) faculty participants.

Implemented through the partnership of the Department of Science and Technology Region VII (DOST-7), CVISNET Foundation, Inc., PROCESS-Bohol, Inc., and Inabanga College of Arts and Sciences, Project BYTE was established to strengthen digital competencies and equip students with industry-relevant skills in information and communications technology (ICT), software development, artificial intelligence, networking, and open-source technologies.

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Jupiter Kasayan, President of INB CAS, followed by an inspirational message from Hon. Dexter M. Ancla, Municipal Mayor of Inabanga, who commended the trainees for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to contribute to community development and digital transformation.

Messages of support were also delivered by Mr. Andrei Ruiz, Project BYTE Instructor and representative of CVISNET; Mr. Aurelio Salgados Jr., Executive Director of PROCESS-Bohol; and Mr. Meljun Signe, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the DOST Bohol PSTO. The speakers highlighted the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and technology in preparing future-ready professionals.

A major highlight of the program was the presentation of Project BYTE accomplishments, which showcased the extensive training conducted throughout the academic year. Participants underwent hands-on training in Linux System Administration, Computer Networking, Open-Source Technologies, WordPress Website Development, Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, API Integration, React and Modern Web Development, Git and GitHub Version Control, UI/UX Design, Deployment and Hosting, and other industry-relevant technologies. The trainees also completed practical examinations, project-based learning activities, and real-world application development exercises.

The trainees successfully progressed from learning basic Linux commands and networking concepts to developing and deploying their own AI-powered web applications. Their final projects, hosted online using modern cloud deployment platforms, demonstrated the practical skills and technical competencies gained throughout the program.

Certificates of completion and recognition were awarded to all students and faculty participants for their commitment and successful completion of the program requirements. Messages of appreciation were delivered by Ms. Princess Mae Biscocho, representing the student trainees, and Mr. Mark Ryan Hilaro, representing the faculty participants, both expressing gratitude to the partner organizations and trainers for the valuable learning experience.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Fedelin Boyonas, Vice President for Academic Affairs of INB CAS, who congratulated the participants and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, digital literacy, and technological advancement.

The closing ceremony marked not only the successful completion of Project BYTE’s pioneering batch but also the beginning of new opportunities for its graduates as they apply their knowledge and skills in their academic, professional, and community endeavors. As the students move forward, the program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration among government, academe, non-government organizations, and local communities in developing future-ready digital talents. Through Project BYTE, participants were empowered with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world while contributing to the digital transformation of their communities.