51³Ô¹ÏÍø

CCS’s my.quantum project brings engaging quantum computing learning to STEM SHS students

Mar 27 2026

The College of Computer Studies (CCS) recently held an inspiring two-day event as part of the my.Quantum Capacitating Quantum Education for STEM Students project. The event, featuring the QUBIES Workshop on March 17 and the XQUBIT Project Presentation on March 18, brought together Senior High School STEM students from Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) for an immersive introduction to quantum computing.

The workshop kicked off with guest speaker Mr. Julius Andre Evangelio, a Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) Fellow and Project Leader of QUBIES, a quantum computing educational initiative. Mr. Evangelio, a fourth-year BS Astronomy major in Astrophysics at Rizal Technological University (RTU), guided participants through the fundamental concepts of quantum computing, including qubits, superposition, and real-world applications. His expertise and engaging teaching made complex ideas accessible to students with no prior background in the field.

According to Mr. Evangelio, “QUBIES is a way for QCSP to introduce the concept of quantum computing without overwhelming anyone with the topic. It engages students and makes them more curious and excited about the subject, rather than intimidated by it. QUBIES helps them learn the fundamentals in a fun and enjoyable way. On the other hand, XQUBIT is the stage where students apply what they have learned through various methods. This allows them to explore the topic further while being creative — something I witnessed throughout the entire event. That’s why QUBIES and XQUBIT work well together.”

The QUBIES Project was originally crafted in 2024 by Mr. Evangelio, alongside team members Patricia Phem Odo from RTU and Stefany Mae Caparida of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT. It has been enhanced with expert guidance from senior QCSP researchers Jabez Ayson of Pampanga State University, formerly Don Honorio Ventura State University, and Dylan Josh Lopez of Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan. 

The event was hosted in partnership with the QCSP, led by its President, Bobby Corpus Jr., bringing cutting-edge knowledge closer to the next generation of Filipino tech leaders. Several members of the my.Quantum project also volunteer with QCSP, fostering a strong partnership between 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT and the broader national quantum computing community. The project’s goal is to effectively communicate quantum computing concepts through engaging science communication, making the subject accessible and exciting for young learners.

On day one, students participated in interactive sessions inside the CCS Conference Room, exploring the science behind quantum technologies. The workshop was moderated by Asst. Prof. Phoebe Ruth Alithea B. Sudaria, a my.Quantum project member. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Samfford S. Cabaluna, a fellow of QCSP and staff of the WE CARE Office, Extension Department of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT.

Topics covered for the first day were the following:  Overview of Quantum Computing, Qubits and Their Principles, Applications of Quantum Computing, and Introduction and Guidelines for the XQUBIT Project Presentation.

Day two featured the XQUBIT Project Presentation, where students showcased their newfound knowledge through creative outputs in three categories: Content Creation, Lecture Recap, and Storytelling. The presentations demonstrated a remarkable grasp of quantum computing concepts, conveyed through print media, digital media, and live storytelling performances.

Judging the presentations were my.Quantum project members Asst. Prof. Excel Van Jondonero and Mr. Juffil B. Papolonias, MSc., both from the Department of Computer Applications, CCS. Winners of the different categories were Ryo Erlann C. Lamis & Christine Lorraine L. Encabo for the Best Lecture Recap, Rhian Maurice L. Dela Peña & Arianne Mea V. Abuel for the Best Quantum Analogy Roleplay, and Lemuel T. Abelardo & Esmail S. Macud for the Best Content Creation Experience.

Mr. Jondonero shared his insights, saying, "The XQubit event has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I feel honored to be part of this initiative. It was amazing to watch students present and share what they'd learned about quantum computing, turning complex ideas into something understandable and exciting. As quantum computing becomes more relevant, introducing these concepts to students early on is essential. Seeing high school students tackle challenging ideas with confidence and curiosity was truly inspiring. Their energy and enthusiasm made the two-day event memorable. After all, quantum isn’t just the future—it’s a whole new way of thinking."

Mr. Papolonias also added his thoughts about the event, "It was truly inspiring to witness the active participation, enthusiasm, and eagerness of the students throughout the event. The workshop was well-organized, informative, and created a meaningful learning environment that encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation. Indeed, “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” This was clearly reflected in the way the students engaged, learned, and shared their ideas during the activity. Congratulations to the organizers, mentors, and participants for making this event successful and impactful. Initiatives like this continue to empower students and nurture the future of our nation."

The my.Quantum project team, led by Asst. Prof. Stefany Mae V. Caparida, includes the following dedicated faculty, staff, and QCSP volunteers: Rabby Q. Lavilles, Atty. Eddie Bouy B. Palad, Apple Rose B. Alce, Paul Rodolf P. Castor, Haron Hakeen D. Lua, Jomari Francis B. Villanueva, Maria Camilla Ann R. Llamas-Jalova, Liezil C. Daberao, Phoebe Ruth Alithea B. Sudaria, Marjorie M. Tabigue, Excel Van O. Jondonero, Juffil B. Papolonias, Flore Mae Fabillaran, Mr. Samfford S. Cabaluna, Mr. Tristan Listanco, Ms. Hannah Hontiveros, Mr. Andrew Daniel Corpuz, and Mr. Jiandale Ambal.

The onsite event was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Documentation Committee of the CCS Executive Council, led by Mr. Tristan Listanco, and the supportive STEM teachers from ICNHS–Mr. Sheim Daniel Nijaga, Dr. Eileen Villaruz, Mary Ann M. Pascubillo, and Ma'am Daisy Acas, who showed invaluable assistance and encouragement throughout the event.

This initiative exemplifies 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT’s commitment to empowering STEM students with futuristic skills and knowledge, preparing them to be pioneers in the evolving landscape of technology.

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