On September 20, 2025, Barangay Lambontong, Surallah, South Cotabato came alive with color, culture, and celebration as the community gathered for the highly anticipated Mutya ng Lambontong 2025, one of the highlights of the annual Botong Festival. This event, which unites residents in honoring their heritage and showcasing local talent, was made even more memorable through the partnership and innovation of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI).

As one of the major sponsors and the official tabulator of the pageant, HCCCI not only extended manpower and support but also introduced a technological breakthrough to the celebration. The College of Computer Studies (CCS) of HCCCI proudly launched its Pageant Tabulation System, a computer-based program designed to ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency in determining this year’s winners.

The system was developed by Jastine M. Gatdula, faculty member of CCS, and implemented with the expertise of the Tabulation Team composed of Marivic O. Baldon, MIT, CCS Program Head; Jastine M. Gatdula, Faculty; Froilan R. Benosa, Faculty; Angelo B. Habaradas, Faculty; and Jovet Reyes, a third-year BSIT student. Their collaboration reflects the best of academic-industry synergy, where teachers and students work hand in hand to create an innovation that directly benefits the community.

During the pageant, the system automated the scoring process, minimized human error, and provided real-time results, allowing the program to run smoothly and with credibility. Organizers, judges, and attendees all noted how the technology elevated the level of professionalism in the event, ensuring that contestants were judged fairly and transparently. The presence of HCCCI as both sponsor and tabulator underscored the school’s reputation not only as an educational institution but also as a trusted community partner.

The significance of this initiative goes beyond the pageant stage. It highlights Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc.’s strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the involvement of a BSIT student in a real-world project, the college advanced SDG 4: Quality Education by providing hands-on experiential learning that bridges theory and practice. The system itself embodies SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by modernizing traditional practices and introducing efficiency to community events. Meanwhile, the collaboration between HCCCI and Barangay Lambontong demonstrates SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, affirming that meaningful progress is possible when education and community work together.

As part of their official statement, Barangay Lambontong expressed deep gratitude, saying:

“We gratefully recognize Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. of Surallah, South Cotabato, for being one of our major sponsors and serving as the official tabulator of Mutya ng Lambontong 2025. Your generosity and professional support play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and success of this celebration. Beyond your contribution, your commitment to education and community service continues to inspire us to uphold excellence and unity in every endeavor. With your partnership, this pageant becomes a meaningful event that highlights fairness, transparency, and pride in our culture. Maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta na nagbigay ng isang mahalagang papel, tatag at saysay sa aming pagdiriwang.”

Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. is deeply honored to have played this role in the Mutya ng Lambontong 2025. More than being a major sponsor and official tabulator, the institution takes pride in contributing to the community by offering its expertise, technology, and commitment to integrity. Through this initiative, HCCCI once again proved that education extends beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on both individuals and communities.

As the Botong Festival continues to be a celebration of unity and pride, the success of the Mutya ng Lambontong 2025 stands as a testament that tradition and innovation can thrive together. With the help of the Pageant Tabulation System, this year’s pageant was not only a display of beauty and culture but also a showcase of how technology, guided by education and service, can foster fairness, transparency, and community pride for all.