Text by Jeniffer Manongdo and Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit

The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) is on track towards full digitalization of its operations following the installation of state-of-the-art wireless solutions that boost network connectivity around the campus. This ensures  enhanced learning experiences in the country’s premier health sciences institution especially in the Intelligent Student Mentoring Assisted by Responsive Technology or ISMART classrooms located in the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall. These are learning spaces equipped with interactive digital boards and electronic blackboards with recording and broadcasting capability and sound system. 

PowerNet Edge Solutions Corp. supplied the hardware necessary to establish connectivity throughout the Henry Sy Sr. Hall. This building, donated by the family of the late tycoon and philanthropist, Henry Sy Sr., and members of the alumni of the College of Medicine, features state-of-the-art clinical simulation rooms, 42 classrooms, three boardrooms, an alumni lounge, a patient safety center, a special event hall, several multi-purpose halls, and the new Postgraduate Institute of Medicine. To support seamless wireless coverage, the setup featured 45 Wi-Fi 6 access points installed from the ground floor up to the 11th floor. 

This advanced technology can accommodate thousands of internet users with exceptional speed. PowerNet Edge Solutions Corp. led the installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of the entire network. 

“With your solution, you become part of our mission and vision – to produce the best healthcare professional who will serve the underserved Filipinos,” said Dr. Abner Chan, College Secretary of the UP College of Medicine during the formal turnover ceremony early this month.

PowerNet Edge Solutions Corp. Managing Director Jonifer Miralles, welcomed the chance to introduce new and innovative technologies aligned with the global trend of digitizing education. 

“This is an opportunity for us to showcase technology that is new, innovative, and aligned with the current trend of building smart campuses. We had several deployments already, and we’re happy to bring this to the Philippines. Together with our vendor partners, we’re glad to support this kind of initiative. Your vision of a smart campus is also our goal—to offer the latest technologies and trends not only for UP, but for the entire education sector. We hope to continue this partnership moving forward,” Miralles said. 

To date, PowerNet Edge Solutions Corp. has provided network solutions to public schools in Pampanga, Tuguegarao, Bulacan, and in municipal hospitals including Pasig City General Hospital and Mandaluyong City Medical Center.  

“It’s very challenging for a university with a hospital to be fully connected. This system is an energy efficient solution.  Our contribution may be small, but we hope that soon, we can also help provide the power requirements in ways that are unique, innovative, and more cost-effective. At the end of the day, we can truly become a smart university, a smart campus,” said Energies PH Inc., project partner of PowerNet.

In 2023, UP Manila received the Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) Award from the Department of Energy (DOE) in recognition of its dedication to implementing energy efficiency and conservation programs and practices. The following year, a total of 10,000 square meters of solar panels were laid out on 11 academic and administrative buildings inside the campus producing an estimated 1,600 Megawatt hour (MWh) renewable power leading to P17 million annual electricity savings.  

With the new IT upgrades, Chancellor Michael Tee said UP Manila is on track to achieve the enhanced digitalization of UP Manila, aside from being the leading academic institution in renewable energy. SMART classrooms are keys to the institution’s success in maintaining its position as the leading university in the country.

In June 2025, UP Manila was named as the Philippines’ top-ranking university by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).

The turnover ceremony was also attended by Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Jose Tecson, UPM Information Management Services Director Marbert John Marasigan, and College of Medicine assistant college secretary Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, Associate Dean for Planning and Development, Dr. Jose Joven V. Cruz.

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