In a significant leap towards transforming into digital learning in education, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has finally unveiled the 86-inch interactive boards in the Naval Campus, launching a total of 11 smart classrooms amounting to ₱7,756,537.60. 

The official turnover ceremony, held on December 19, at the Audio Visual Center (HAVC), followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the second floor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences  (SNHS) was attended by the University President, Dr. Victor C. Caňezo, Jr., together with the members of the governing board– Hon. Jamie Dianne O. Espina, Hon. Jean Clare T. Diu, Hon. Vennie G. Coton, and Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin, represented by Hon. Dexter Garcia.
The event was also graced by the supplier of the interactive boards CEO of Lisa Tech Philippines, Elijah John Uy Lao and other BiPSU key officials.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Lisa Tech CEO conducted live demonstrations of the interactive boards, showing its special features. The demonstration was attended by key BiPSU officials, offering them a firsthand look at how the technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Funded through the regular agency fund under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Smart Classrooms have been deployed across various key areas of BiPSU's  Naval campus. These include the Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Microbiology and Parasitology Lab, Amphitheater and Conference Room on the second floor and ground floor of the Nursing Building. Additional installations can be found in the Speech Laboratory within the Andaya Building, as well as in Technology Rooms located on the second and fourth floors of the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) Building. Other notable locations include the Technology Room on the third floor of the School of Education Building, the COME AVR on the ground floor of the School of Criminal Justice Education (STCS) Building, and the Science and Technology classroom on the second floor of the Science and Tech Building for the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME). Additionally, an Office Room on the second floor of the Automotive Building is also equipped with one of these advanced interactive boards, for the School of Graduate Studies (SGS).

The Smart Classrooms, equipped with 86-inch interactive boards, are set to transform the learning experience at BiPSU, offering a more dynamic, interactive, and flexible teaching environment for students and faculty.

In addition, each classroom is equipped with two sensor cameras and six ceiling microphones. The sensor cameras automatically detect when a student is reciting or standing up to recite, ensuring that all students, whether in-person or remote, can be seen and heard clearly. The ceiling microphones further enhance this experience, capturing the voices of students and faculty with precision and clarity, enabling smooth interactions both in the classroom and for online learners.

These classrooms will also enable classes to be extended across multiple rooms with a single instructor, further enhancing the university's ability to deliver quality education.

“The boards are simple, easy to use, and highly effective classroom tools that support both onsite and online learning. Students can even attend classes from anywhere, while online students can seamlessly interact with those in the classroom in real time, creating an inclusive learning environment,” explained CEO Lao.

In his remarks, Dr. Caňezo proudly described the event as an early Christmas gift for BiPSU. As he emphasized, “When I arrived at this university—long before today’s event—our teaching tools were simpler and our ambitions more modest. Chalk and blackboards were the standard, and the idea of a ‘Smart Classroom’ seemed like something from a distant future. Yet here we stand, on the threshold of that future, ready to bring a new dimension of learning to Biliran Province State University."

The university president elaborated on the importance of both technology and the people who use it, “What truly makes a campus ‘smart’ is not just the new technology, but the people who use it to spark insights and understanding. We want this new space to encourage curiosity, help students explore beyond their textbooks, and inspire faculty to refine their craft."

Dr. Caňezo also thanked the various teams who worked on this project, recognizing the contributions of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the Engineering and Physical Development Office (EPDO), and the Management and Information System (MIS) Office for their efforts in realizing this for the university.

In addition, the university president also hopes that if the implementation proves successful and receives positive feedback from the end users, BiPSU, with the support of the Board of Regents, might be able to expand by adding more smart classrooms equipped with the same technology.

BiPSU plans to conduct orientations for faculty and students in January 2025, in collaboration with Lisa Tech Philippines, to ensure they are fully equipped to maximize the use of this new technology.

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