USTP hosts ULEAD LEX 2025 with Singapore Polytechnic
By Randulf C. Doria and Kristine Jane M. Laid, USTP System STRATCOMM
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), successfully conducted the 2025 Learning Express (LeX) program from March 24 to April 4, 2025, at USTP Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO), Misamis Oriental, Philippines.
Formerly known as Learning Express, the program has evolved into ULEAD, which stands for USTP Learn-Engage-Adapt-Disrupt. ULEAD LEX 2025 is an educational initiative focused on design thinking and social innovation, providing students with a platform to address real-world challenges faced by communities across Southeast Asia. The program promotes experiential learning by partnering students with local organizations to co-create practical and impactful solutions by developing functional prototypes.
Photo courtesy: Office of the Student Affairs – USTP CDO
The opening ceremony, held on March 25, 2025, at the Performing Arts Theatre (PAT), Engineering Building of USTP CDO, was graced by key officials from both USTP and SPI, who warmly welcomed the participants.
A total of 60 students — 30 from SP and 30 from USTP — took part in the intensive two-week program that centered on the Design Thinking methodology, consisting of five core stages:
- Empathize – Understand the users and their needs
- Define – Clearly articulate the users’ problems
- Ideate – Generate creative ideas and solutions
- Prototype – Develop tangible solutions
- Test – Evaluate and refine the solutions
These stages guided students through a hands-on approach to developing effective and sustainable innovations for real community needs.
Photo courtesy: Office of the Student Affairs – USTP CDO
As part of their fieldwork, participants visited and engaged with various stakeholders, including Ferber Organic Farming in Brgy. Bayabas, the Brgy. Balubal Integrated Social Forestry Farmers’ Association and the Best Agri Products Producers Cooperative in Brgy. Lumbia. Students conducted interviews, brainstormed ideas, refined concepts, built prototypes, and collaborated directly with community members in co-creation sessions.
The Gallery Walk, held from April 1–2, 2025, at Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras (DRER) Memorial Hall and the USTP CDO’s Student Lounge, culminated the students’ innovation journey. During this event, participants showcased their prototypes, presented their solutions to stakeholders, and received valuable feedback.
Photo courtesy: Office of the Student Affairs – USTP CDO
The projects aimed to provide innovative, sustainable solutions to pressing community issues, particularly in agriculture and social development. These solutions reflected the participants’ understanding of community needs while applying their newly honed design thinking skills. Beyond academic exercises, the prototypes contribute meaningfully to agri-innovation, community collaboration, and student development.
The program concluded with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony featuring the awarding of certificates, the exchange of tokens between USTP and SP students, and inspirational words from USTP CDO Chancellor Atty. Dionel O. Albina, and cultural performances by Bayabas, Lumbia, and Balubal representatives.
Photo courtesy: Office of the Student Affairs – USTP CDO
To enrich the cultural immersion aspect of the program, participants also toured key landmarks in Cagayan de Oro City, including the City Museum, St. Augustine Cathedral, and Gaston Park. The program ended on a high note with a farewell dinner at High Ridge, where students reflected on their journey and celebrated their shared accomplishments.
The ULEAD Learning Express 2025 reaffirms USTP’s commitment to delivering quality-driven, innovation-centered education that strengthens ties with global partners like Singapore Polytechnic. More importantly, it embodies USTP’s mission of integrating the world of work into higher education by equipping students to be responsive, creative, and community-engaged leaders of tomorrow.
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