Written by Christian Junio, with contributions from Ellyza Charry Miguel
The School of Information Technology (SIT) recently celebrated a groundbreaking achievement during its colloquium on November 21, 2024, at the University of Baguio Centennial Hall. The event highlighted the innovative research of IT students, spearheaded by Ma’am Divine Aguilar-Agudong, MIT. Distinguished judges, including former SIT Dean Engr. Elisabeth Calub, Engr. Christine Valdez, and Engr. Rico Ngaosi, evaluated the research, marking a milestone in SIT’s commitment to advancing education and security.
At the center of the colloquium was a pioneering research project titled “Network Security of a Public Senior High School in Baguio City”, conducted by Mark Anthon Argel, Jasper Asmin, Mclin Molina, and Angelica Pangilinan. This study not only won the Best in Research award but also directly contributed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 16: ensuring quality education and promoting strong institutions.
Network Security with SDG Goals
The research addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring a secure digital environment in public schools, which protects student data, prevents cyberattacks, and reduces disruptions to learning. By safeguarding these infrastructures, the study fosters a conducive environment for education in the digital age.
Furthermore, the study upholds SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by advocating for policies and technical measures that strengthen digital security and institutional resilience. As one researcher, Jasper Asmin, explained:
“SDGs 4 and 16 are relevant in our study of network security because secure networks provide quality education while preserving individual privacy [by preventing] an attack that can disrupt learning, compromise student data, and hinder educational progress.”
The Research Journey and Challenges
The study stands out as SIT’s first exploration into network security. Initially, the researchers intended to include the specific name of the analyzed public senior high school. However, to prioritize ethical considerations and privacy, the team opted to generalize the study, a decision that required rethinking their approach while maintaining the study’s impact.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the study, Mark Anthon Argel shared:
“We wanted to dive into something fresh, something that hadn’t been done before in our School of Information Technology. That’s when we thought, why not explore network security in a public school setting?”
Despite these challenges, the research produced a robust network security risk management and implementation plan to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of public school infrastructures. This plan not only
addresses current vulnerabilities but also sets a foundation for future advancements in digital safety within the education sector.
Recognition of Excellence
Under the mentorship of technical adviser Sir Anthony Galutan, the researchers received guidance on technical challenges and goal setting. Sir Anthony described his role:
“I provided technical assistance and encouragement to help them navigate their unique topic. Their project leaned heavily on documentation, especially in creating a risk management plan, and I felt confident in their ability to succeed.”
Their efforts paid off, with Angelica Pangilinan earning the Best Presenter award for her exceptional communication of their findings. Reflecting on their journey, Angelica shared:
“The last few months were stressful, but then, we passed and won Best Research! Winning both Best Research and Best Presenter made me feel amazing, fulfilled, and relieved.”
The study’s innovative approach not only broke new ground but also opened doors for future researchers in SIT, providing a broader range of topics and stakeholders to explore.
Global Impact Through Local Action
By linking their work to the SDGs, the researchers demonstrated how local academic efforts can contribute to solving global challenges. Their focus on network security highlights the role of technology in fostering sustainable development. Sir Anthony Galutan summed up the significance of the research: “The study aimed to improve the public school network’s security. I felt happy about their findings because they were highly relevant.”
A Call to Action for Innovation
This groundbreaking research underscores SIT’s role as a trailblazer in academic excellence and innovation while addressing a critical gap in academic literature. By emphasizing the transformative potential of IT solutions, it not only contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly in education and institutional resilience—but also provides practical insights into creating safer digital environments. By tackling modern cyber threats within the education sector, it offers a roadmap for enhancing the resilience of public school systems.
The success of this pioneering study calls on students, educators, and industry leaders to recognize the importance of research in addressing global challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation, SIT sets an example of how academic work can drive meaningful, lasting change.
