Asia Pacific College (APC) recently became the meeting ground for makers, developers, and technology enthusiasts from across the country as it hosted Arduino Day Philippines 2026 on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Bringing the national celebration to its own campus, APC opened its doors to a full day of talks, exhibits, workshops, and conversations centered on open‑source technology and real‑world innovation.
With more than 1,200 registered participants, the event drew students, educators, hobbyists, and professionals eager to learn from one another and explore how embedded systems and IoT technologies are shaping everyday solutions. The atmosphere throughout the day reflected a shared curiosity—classrooms turned into discussion spaces, booths became testing grounds for ideas, and workshops encouraged hands‑on experimentation.
A key highlight of the event was the strong involvement of APC’s Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS‑APC) members, who actively supported the event’s overall operations. From assisting organizers to coordinating with participants, JPCS‑APC volunteers helped ensure that activities ran smoothly while representing the college with professionalism and confidence. Their efforts were further strengthened through the support of members from the Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines Student Edition – Asia Pacific College (ICpEP.SE-APC), whose collaboration underscored the value of interdisciplinary and inter‑organization partnerships within the campus. These are the JPCS-APC student volunteers:
1. Angelo John Benedict Laus
2. Anthonee Jhel Rumbaoa
3. Charl Christopher Peñada
4. Elyza Heart Luego
5. Gwyneth Cataylo
6. John Patrick Sia
7. Khloe Tatel
8. Lance Gabriel Buncab
9. Lester Jimeno
10. Nethaniel Acebes
11. Rodmina Jhoy Ibe
12. Samantha Erin Aquino
13. Sheena Solas
14. Sophia Ysabel Juan
15. Tristan Gabriel Blanca
Beyond volunteer work, students from the School of Computing and Information Technologies (SoCIT) and the School of Engineering (SoE) took part as project contributors, showcasing their own IoT systems during the exhibit portion of the program. These student‑led projects demonstrated not only technical skill but also a clear understanding of how classroom concepts can be translated into practical, working solutions. For many attendees, the project booths became a focal point, sparking questions, peer feedback, and meaningful exchanges between students from different institutions.
Feedback from both attendees and the Arduino Day Philippines organizers highlighted the enthusiasm, technical curiosity, and preparedness of the student organizers and contributors. The way APC students engaged with guests, explained their projects, and handled responsibilities reflected well on the institution and on SoCIT’s emphasis on community engagement beyond formal coursework.
Faculty members were also present throughout the event, providing guidance and support. The program began with opening remarks delivered by Ms. Rhea-Luz Valbuena, SoCIT Executive Director, setting a welcoming tone and emphasizing the importance of student involvement and collaboration. Special appreciation is also given to SoCIT faculty members Mr. Jojo Castillo, Mr. Felino Calderon, and Mr. Joegene Quesada, who, along with me, helped oversee student participation and ensured that volunteers and exhibitors were well supported during the activity. Mr. Jojo Castillo and Mr. Felino Calderon also served as judges for the hackathon, offering students valuable feedback grounded in industry and professional practice.
Events like Arduino Day Philippines 2026 highlight what APC aims to cultivate: students who are not only technically capable but also willing to participate in wider technology communities, collaborate across organizations, and represent the college in national‑level events. As APC continues to open its campus to industry and developer communities, Arduino Day Philippines 2026 stands as a clear example of how student organizations such as JPCS‑APC, supported by partners like ICpEP.SE-APC, can take the lead in turning large‑scale events into meaningful learning experiences.
