Text by: Jennifer Manongdo
Photo by: Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) conducted a benchmarking visit to the University of the Philippines Manila on May 28, 2026, and learned about the latter’s smart classroom infrastructure as part of its campus digitalization transformation project.
The PUP delegation toured UP Manila’s digitally transformed learning spaces at Henry Sy Sr. Hall. They examined how smart classrooms support hybrid, synchronous, and asynchronous learning through the use of interactive digital boards and electronic blackboards with recording and broadcasting capabilities and sound systems.
“The visit has given insights into how PUP will be able to realize one of the strategic initiatives in the University Development Plan 2024-2028, which focuses on modernization of lecture and laboratory rooms and other learning facilities,” said Sally Mua, director of PUP’s Information and Communications Technology Office.
“This has given the team the opportunity to see how UP Manila has deployed the full smart classroom design, including the additional devices needed and its applications in the conduct of hybrid classes,” she said further.
The PUP delegation was led by Alberto Guillo, executive vice president and vice president for Planning and Finance. Guillo thanked UP Manila Vice Chancellor Jose Tecson III for sharing the best practices on digital transformation initiatives and information systems development. Guillo noted that PUP eagerly anticipates future partnerships and collaborations between the two institutions.
UP Manila entered a new era of tech-driven education in 2023 with the launch of Project DIGITAL (Digital Innovations in Growth and Innovations Towards Transformational Academic Learning). The initiative has turned the campus into a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem. By integrating AI, analytics, and smart classrooms, UP Manila now offers highly personalized hybrid learning, alongside AR/VR tools tailored for health sciences and technical training. The rollout has officially made the university a fully secure, IoT-enabled, and AI-powered Wi-Fi 7 campus, drastically boosting daily operations and community well-being.
#FP1 #FP4 #FP10 #AcademicExcellence
