Around 40 BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship (ITE) students at Ateneo de Manila University participated in a Design Thinking – Train the Trainers Workshop on the morning of January 31, 2026. The three-hour session, held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN in the Science Education Complex Building A, aimed to prepare these students to facilitate Design Thinking processes for public high school students in Marikina City.
Preparing the Next Generation of Innovators
The workshop, facilitated by Steve Chaves of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) and powered by the Office of Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI), focused on transforming the students into future facilitators of innovation. Participants were trained not only in the principles of Design Thinking but similarly in confidently guiding younger learners through the process.
Dharline Sy, a BS ITE student from a previous cohort, shared her experiences facilitating Design Thinking sessions with high school students, emphasizing the importance of patience, clear communication and empathy.
Core Principles of Design Thinking
The workshop covered the core stages of the Design Thinking framework, including Empathy, Problem Definition, Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing & Iteration. Students also practiced practical facilitation skills, such as guiding group discussions, asking open-ended questions, managing time, and fostering inclusive environments.
Through simulations and interactive exercises, the BS ITE students experienced both the roles of learner and facilitator, preparing them for their upcoming work with students in Marikina City.
Bridging Innovation and Social Impact
The initiative, led by OSCI, aligns with Ateneo’s mission of social transformation. The training aims to equip students to help public high school learners identify challenges in their communities, develop creative solutions, and build confidence in collaborative problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking is a process that involves deeply understanding the needs of users, defining problems clearly, generating creative solutions, building prototypes, and refining those solutions based on feedback.
Who facilitated the workshop?
The workshop was facilitated by Steve Chaves of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO).
What is the goal of this initiative?
The goal is to prepare BS ITE students to facilitate Design Thinking processes for public high school students in Marikina City, empowering them to address challenges in their communities.
As these 30 BS ITE students move forward, they carry a methodology and a mindset rooted in empathy, leadership, and service. Will this initiative inspire similar programs at other universities across the Philippines?
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