SU, CALIBR8 partner to advance technology education, research, sustainability
Silliman University (SU) and CALIBR8 Systems, Inc., a Filipino-owned information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, formalized a partnership to strengthen industry-academe collaboration in curriculum development, student internships, research, and sustainability initiatives through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 9, 2026, at the Board Room Extension.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry demands, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart grids, and the convergence of information technology and operational technology (IT/OT).
Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista, SU vice president for Academic Affairs and Research, and Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes, executive chairman and chief executive officer of CALIBR8, represented their respective institutions during the signing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the University, Bautista expressed Silliman’s commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the opportunities it presents for both institutions.
Asst. Prof. Joy M. Dy, CCS dean, introduces the representatives from CALIBR8.
“It opens a lot of doors for invention, faculty development, and of course, innovation,” Bautista said.
She noted that the collaboration would allow SU to draw on industry expertise to enhance its curriculum and provide students and faculty with opportunities to engage in research and technological innovation.
Bautista also emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, pointing out that CALIBR8 could benefit from working with students whose fresh perspectives and ideas may contribute to addressing industry challenges. She likewise highlighted the potential for collaborative research to generate new knowledge.
Asst. Prof. Joy M. Dy, dean of the College of Computer Studies (CCS), underscored the University’s existing relationship with CALIBR8, noting that the company’s Dumaguete office is staffed entirely by Silliman graduates, with 90 percent coming from CCS and the remaining 10 percent from the College of Engineering and Design.
Reyes, meanwhile, introduced CALIBR8 and outlined the company’s areas of expertise and proposed directions for collaboration with the University.
The signing of the MOU commences, led by CALIBR8 CEO Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes (center) and Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista (right), SU vice president for Academic Affairs and Research. They are joined by CALIBR8’s Erzalyn Lorenzo, HR Learning and Development Partner.
CALIBR8 specializes in ICT solutions, systems integration, and data infrastructure services, particularly for the energy sector. Its work includes industrial IT/OT convergence, data analytics, AI, and technologies that help organizations improve operational efficiency and make informed decisions using real-time data.
Under the MOU, the two institutions will explore opportunities to align academic curricula with current industry practices, expand internship and career pathways for students, and pursue joint research and development projects addressing energy and environmental challenges.
The partnership also seeks to broaden access to technology-related careers beyond traditional computer science disciplines, recognizing the growing demand for interdisciplinary expertise in the digital economy.
Another area of collaboration involves using the SU campus as a potential “living laboratory” for energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, allowing academic research and technological solutions to be applied in a real-world setting.
CALIBR8 CEO Reyes chats with Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., SU Media and Public Affairs chief.
The MOU provides for a three-year partnership, with a joint review at the end of the second year to assess progress and explore opportunities for renewal or expansion.
Joining Reyes from CALIBR8 were Erzalyn Lorenzo, HR Learning and Development Partner; Jai Tolo, Sustainability and ESG Officer; and business analysts Marck Veran and Jose Moses Cubelo.
Also present from Silliman were CCS faculty members Asst. Prof. Allan V. Credo and Asst. Prof. Lourdes S. Curativo, SU Media and Public Affairs Chief Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., CCS Secretary Annabelle Azuelo, and CCS Technician Estrelleto Aragones.
Through the partnership, SU and CALIBR8 seek to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and professional practice while creating opportunities for students and faculty to contribute to technological innovation and sustainable development.
