Another Chapter of Success: The Ramon Dimacali Award in Information Technology

Today, I stand honored and deeply humbled to share a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey—receiving the Ramon Dimacali Award for Information Technology from the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST). This award, named after a visionary in the field of information technology (IT), is not just a recognition of my work but a testament to the dedication and passion that fuel my commitment to advancing technology in education.

Who Was Ramon Dimacali?

Ramon Dimacali was a towering figure in the Philippine IT industry, known for his transformative leadership as the two-time chief of IBM Philippines. His career spanned decades, during which he made significant contributions to the growth and development of the IT sector in the country. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and a vision for how technology can drive progress. The award that bears his name is a reflection of his enduring influence and the high standards he set for those who follow in his footsteps.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ramon Dimacali was also a mentor and visionary who believed in the power of technology to change lives. His efforts not only advanced the IT industry but also inspired countless young professionals to pursue careers in technology. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, Dimacali's influence continues to resonate within the industry today, making this award particularly meaningful for those who strive to follow in his footsteps.

A Lifelong Passion for Information Technology

Information Technology has always been more than just a career choice for me—it has been a lifelong passion. From a young age, I aspired to enroll in an IT program right after high school, driven by a fascination with computers and technology. However, due to financial constraints, I was unable to pursue this dream immediately. Instead, destiny brought me to the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) as a scholar, which allowed me to afford a college education.

While pursuing my degree in Industrial Education at TUP, I also studied IT skills, diving deep into computer programming, web development, video editing, graphic design, and more. These dual paths not only broadened my skill set but also laid the foundation for my later work in educational technology. Determined to follow my passion, I later pursued IT for both my master's degree at STI College Cubao and my doctoral degree at the University of the East. These experiences provided me with the technical knowledge and innovative mindset that have been the foundation of my work ever since.

A Reflection on My Work in Information Technology

Throughout my career, I have been committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, always exploring new ways to leverage technology for the betterment of society. My primary focus has been the integration of IT across diverse sectors, where I have sought to apply technology-based solutions to address complex challenges and improve various aspects of community life.

In the field of education, my contributions have centered on educational innovation, such as the development of metaverse technologies, educational games, and the exploration of the pedagogical impacts of various instructional technologies. One notable example is my experimental research on the use of computer-assisted instruction in teaching physical fitness and exercise, which demonstrated a significant performance advantage compared to traditional methods.

In healthcare, my work includes several publications on intelligent tutoring systems, nutrition knowledge-based systems, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) medical devices. Among these, the Virtual Dietitian project stands out as a key achievement. This system utilizes a forward-chaining algorithm to personalize dietary plans, resulting in a series of publications that have contributed to advancing the field of personalized healthcare.

In public policymaking, my research has focused on the application of sentiment analysis during major global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These studies have underscored the critical role of technology in understanding and responding to global crises, demonstrating how IT can provide valuable insights that inform policy decisions.

These examples represent just a fraction of my work in integrating IT across diverse sectors, highlighting the significant impact that technology can have when applied thoughtfully and creatively to solve real-world problems.

Looking Ahead

Receiving the Ramon Dimacali Award is a moment of reflection and gratitude. It serves as a reminder of the impact that technological innovation can have when it is driven by a genuine desire to improve the world around us. It also reaffirms my commitment to continue exploring new frontiers in IT, always with the goal of creating meaningful and lasting change.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us. The IT field is ever-evolving, and with it comes endless opportunities to reimagine how we interact, work, and live. I am eager to continue this journey, knowing that the work we do today will shape the future of technology for generations to come.

In closing, I want to express my deepest thanks to PhilAAST for this incredible honor and to everyone who has been a part of my journey. This award is a milestone, but it is also a beginning—a starting point for new ideas, new projects, and new ways to make a difference.

Here’s to the future, and to the continued pursuit of technological innovation.