Enhancing IT Capstone Programs through Agile Practices: Insights from Filipino Community Projects

The IT Capstone Program at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) integrates Agile methodology through the Scrum framework to provide students with practical experiences in consultancy and software development. To extend its impact, the program was later expanded through the UA&P Filipino Community Extension Program, which engages partner communities facing challenges that require IT-based solutions. This study examines the program’s implementation and areas for improvement after several years of practice. Data were collected through focus group discussions with alumni, industry practitioners, capstone students, and faculty advisers. Findings highlight the need for enhancements in sprint planning, code quality, and software maintainability to strengthen alignment with industry standards. Moreover, the study reveals how contextual factors in the adopted communities—such as IT infrastructure and government funding—affect the sustainability and effectiveness of capstone-developed solutions. The insights offer implications for refining capstone programs that aim to bridge academic training, industry expectations, and community service.