AWSCC Prowl Press - Tigris 2024

USLS AWS Club: First in Visayas prowl press

Written by: Casandra Heaven Estelloso, Laurence Mangubat

Transcribed by: Majed Dahildahil

The University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod Chapter Amazon Web Services (AWS) Learning Club, first in Visayas, was introduced to the College of Engineering and Computing Studies last August 27, at the Mutien Marie Auditorium A, spearheaded by the club lead John Andrei Gayona.

The Amazon Web Services Cloud Club is a student-led user community for post-secondary students and independent learners aimed at empowering users with the knowledge and competencies required in the dynamic world of AWS Cloud and other technologies.

According to Gayona, the USLS Chapter is currently called the Learning Club because it is led by a “Lead,” but it will be referred to as the Cloud Club if it is headed by a Captain—a higher position that can be attained after earning AWS credits, certifications, and vouchers—“[..]but either way, first learning and cloud club ni siya [sa] [Visayas].”

The event, organized in collaboration with the Computer Science(CS) Department and Computer Science Society was held during their General

Assembly entitled “Next Destinations: Exploring the Interface of Opportunities”.

It was opened by Dr. Loreto B. Damasco, Jr., PhD, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Studies, with his remarks, followed by talks from Miss Enrica Clarisse Dio, Relations Directress and Mr. Isaeus Guiang, Regional Captain of AWSCC PH, as well as ice breakers and Q&A in between sessions.

Ms. Dio focused her talk on introducing AWSCC, explaining its programs, and addressing the importance of tech communities to students and the benefits it can

bring to them.

“As a student, especially someone looking for internships, even voluntary, not OJTs, we want the reach [...] when it comes to opportunities[...]—that’s what we’re trying to bridge. We want you to be able to also have this reach as early as now, even internationally,” Ms. Dio shared.

Following Ms. Dio’s talk, Mr. Isaeus Guiang, via Zoom call, addressed the growing information technology skill gap, explaining that factors such as scarcity of resources, lack of opportunities, and inadequate training and equipment contribute to the issue.

“As we evolve, our current curriculum cannot keep up with the changes na mayroon tayo, sa technology [...] Imagine we have a community in a university setting that can help make a powerful next generation of students that have experience; that’s the aim of AWSCC,” Mr. Guiang said.

The USLS AWS Learning Club Lead Gayona, also a BSCS student, recounted how he found the community, became actively involved in the process, and was ultimately selected for the position.

“Joining AWSCC was not actually something I ever thought of doing. In fact, the reason why I was able to take on this position

was because our Computer Science Department Chair, Mr. Jim Jonathan Decripito, saw my skills in leadership and organization roles. So, I was shortlisted and my name was sent to be among three choices for the Potential Lead of AWSCC. Along with the other students, I underwent an interview. After careful deliberation from the AWSCC team, they chose me to be the Lead here in USLS,” he explained.

He also stated that the student-group is not yet formally recognized as a club at the University due to the ongoing accreditation process and remains on hold pending further discussions with the Office of Student Affairs regarding school policies; however, it is expected to open for student membership soon.

“It is a space where we can all come together, regardless of our backgrounds or our levels of expertise, to learn, grow, and support one another. [...] No matter who you are, no matter what course you’re taking, if you have the desire to learn and the drive to belong, this is your community,” he said, encouraging everyone to join the community.