Western Philippines University (WPU) highlighted its digital transformation initiatives during the 19th AHEIRIM Annual Regional Conference, held in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education MIMAROPA (CHED MIMAROPA) at Coron Westown Resort in Coron, Palawan.

WPU was represented by Asst. Prof. Francis A. Alterado as a resource speaker, who discussed “Digitizing with a Privacy-First Mindset.” His presentation focused on the importance of integrating digital technologies across higher education institutions while ensuring the protection and responsible handling of personal data.

Alterado also presented WPU’s experience in transitioning toward a digitally integrated campus, highlighting the initiatives of the SAFE Team and the faculty and students of the College of Computer, Arts and Sciences (CCAS).

The presentation underscored that digital transformation extends beyond individual offices or systems, requiring the coordinated modernization of various university processes while maintaining data privacy and security.

WPU’s digitalization efforts, under the leadership of University President Dr. Amabel A. Siose-Liao, drew interest from representatives of private higher education institutions attending the conference, with several expressing interest in learning from and benchmarking the university’s practices.

The conference provided an avenue for WPU to share its institutional experience in secure, efficient, and privacy-conscious digital transformation, further strengthening its role in advancing innovation in higher education in the MIMAROPA region.