ThIn celebration of National Innovation Day 2025, JCI Surigao North, in collaboration with DOST–Surigao del Norte, DOST-ASTI, and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, successfully hosted Session 2 of the 2-Day Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning on April 23–24, 2025, at the Provincial Research, Innovation, and Science Museum (PRISM). The event brought together executives, technopreneurs, government representatives, and educators to gain practical insights into AI-driven solutions and data-based decision-making — a step forward in preparing Surigao del Norte for a digital future.
The Challenge
As the digital age rapidly evolves, many local institutions and even business leaders in Surigao City and around the globe still face a steep learning curve when it comes to integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning into their operations. There exists a knowledge gap between emerging technological innovations and the capability of local stakeholders to adopt and apply these tools meaningfully. Without direct exposure, practical training, and expert guidance, government agencies, educational institutions, and business sectors risk falling behind in terms of innovation, competitiveness, and service delivery in an increasingly digital world.
The Solution
To bridge this digital divide, JCI Surigao North and its partners launched a high-impact, executive-level Masterclass aimed at providing hands-on, real-world knowledge of AI and data science. Led by leading experts from DOST-ASTI — including Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad, Jr., Engr. Reynaldo Ted L. Peñas II, and Engr. Gary Chris D. Lacdang — the program offered immersive sessions on platforms like Google Colab and Gemini AI, introducing participants to AI applications in governance, agriculture, education, and research. The sessions also incorporated Design Thinking to encourage innovation from a human-centered perspective. By directly engaging representatives from SUCs, HEIs, national agencies, and private sectors, the masterclass became a collaborative knowledge-building platform that empowered local leaders with the technical and strategic capabilities to implement AI solutions in their respective fields.
The Result
The two-day masterclass concluded with resounding success, equipping participants with actionable knowledge and digital tools that can be directly applied to real-world challenges. Many left with a stronger understanding of AI’s practical relevance and expressed eagerness to implement what they learned in their institutions. The event strengthened inter-agency collaboration and established a shared commitment to digital transformation in Surigao del Norte. By focusing on capacity-building and forward-thinking innovation, this initiative reaffirmed JCI Surigao North’s mission to enable inclusive growth, digital resilience, and sustainable progress through meaningful partnerships and impactful learning experiences.