The hardworking and self-determined Mr. Mateo, formerly a Computer Instructor and the Website Developer of the Aklan State University has completed his Master’s of Engineering Major in Information and Telecommunications at Kunsan National University, one of the prestigious universities in South Korea. Mr. Mateo was employed as one of the computer instructors of the Aklan State University from 2003 to 2004. Aside from his academic functions, he was assigned to work with the Technical Working Group of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Center.

After one challenging year of working with the ICT Technical Working Group, he made remarkable contributions to the ASU community; the University Website was made online in the Internet, the computer laboratory facilities were upgraded, the different offices were connected with Internet, and there were ICT policies and guidelines implemented in support to the university’s curricular offerings and programs. The determination and efforts made by Mr. Mateo together with the ICT Technical Working Group developed a culture of production of new knowledge, utilization and sharing to the stakeholders. Thus, the ICT Center established its global network to those previous members of the Technical Working Group who are now employed abroad and enjoying higher salaries e.g. Engr. Dahlia Tumbukon, who is now employed as Programmer of a government institution in the United Arab Emirates and Ms Marlyn A. Hunilas, who is now working as an Outbound Agent in one of the Call Centers based in Manila. While the other members of the ICT Technical Working Group is doing their best to achieve a higher IT Profession, as in the case of Mr. Mateo stated in his email:

“Today, I graduated my master's degree. I just want to say thank you [to the Director of ICT Center] for your guidance, advices and help when I am still working with you. I am proud that you are one of my great mentors not only on developing my teaching skills but also my behavior with other colleagues. I am happy that ICT is growing well with your lead. I am also willing to help your institute in anyway I can.

Thank you also for making a letter of recommendation for my scholarship and I was granted to have a 4 year support from the Korean government for my studies. It also means that I need to work hard again for research. Even though I felt a little depressed and frustrated sometimes but maybe this is my destiny and I needed to face it.  Regards to all of them.” Romeo Mark A. Mateo, Graduate Student, Kunsan National University.

The abovementioned information implies that the ICT Center enhances the competency not only to the members of its Technical Working Group but also the faculties and students of the Aklan State University to face the challenges of global competitiveness.