From left to right. Dean Rhodessa Cascaro of the College of Computer and Information Science, with Information Systems students Karyll Grace Bontuyan, Arabella Ortega, and Josh Marco Goc-ong representing Mapua MCM in the 2026 International Conference on Machine Learning and Human-Computer Interaction (MLHMI).
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) strengthened its commitment to global research engagement as representatives from the College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) participated in the International Conference on Machine Learning and Human–Computer Interaction (MLHMI) 2026 held in Tokyo, Japan.
MLHMI is an international academic conference that brings together researchers, scholars, and industry practitioners to discuss emerging developments in machine learning, human–computer interaction, and information systems. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, academic collaboration, and the presentation of innovative research that addresses real-world challenges through technology.
Representing Mapúa MCM were Dr. Rhodessa J. Cascaro, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Science, together with BS Information Systems students Ms. Karyll Grace K. Bontuyan, Mr. Josh Marco C. Goc-Ong, and Ms. Arabella L. Ortega. During the conference, the representatives participated in academic discussions and research presentations alongside scholars and professionals from various institutions around the world.
This international engagement provided students with valuable opportunities to expand their perspectives on technology, research, and innovation while building connections with fellow researchers and academic practitioners. Through interactions with conference participants, the students gained deeper insights into current trends and advancements in machine learning and human–computer interaction.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Bontuyan, a 4th Year BS Information Systems student, shared, “Attending MLHMI 2026 was a really memorable experience for me because I got to meet new people, experience Japan firsthand, and take part in meaningful conference activities and discussions. I was also grateful to have two research studies derived from our thesis paper accepted and published in the conference proceedings. Overall, through this experience, I gained a new perspective on how technology is properly applied in everyday life in Japan, and how discipline and cooperation among people really help make everything work smoothly.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Goc-Ong, a 4th Year BS Information Systems student, emphasized the value of academic collaboration, stating, “The MLHMI 2026 conference at Meiji University was a valuable and enriching experience for me and my colleagues, as we gained new knowledge from various research presentations and academic discussions. It also provided opportunities to build connections and networks with participants from different schools and institutions, opening doors for future collaborations, research partnerships, and academic exchanges.”
For Ms. Ortega, a 4th Year BS Information Systems student, the experience was both inspiring and motivating. She shared, “It was truly a humbling experience. Being one of the youngest presenters in a room filled with PhD students, professors, and researchers was both inspiring and motivating. I would definitely participate again, as being surrounded by passionate and knowledge-driven people made the experience even more meaningful.”
Through its participation in MLHMI 2026, Mapúa MCM continues to expand in opportunities for international research exposure, foster academic excellence, and strengthen its presence within the global research community. The engagement reflects the institution’s commitment to SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, advancing globally relevant and innovation-driven learning experiences for its students and faculty.