Archives for September 2017

Iloilo Science and Technology University presented its research and development projects and activities to the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International team during its September 20, 2017  visit to the university.

The RTI is an independent, non-profit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition.

Heading the RTI team during the campus visit were Dr. Wayne Holden, President and CEO and Mr. Paul Weisenfeld, Executive Vice President for International Development. Other members of the team were Bradley Goehner, Sr., Communications Specialist; Dr. Richard Abendan, Partnership Manager, RTI International; Mr. Collin Anderson and STRIDE Program Coordinator, Dominic M. Barnachea.

The visit aimed to see and discuss school-initiated activities that complete loop of knowledge generation, protection and transfer which is the main concept of conduct of research and extension activities.

Five research and development projects with a total of 19.5 million pesos grants by USAID STRIDE were presented. These are the Phase I and II of the Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid from Heads of Silver-Banded Whiting for Nutraceutical Use: Characterization and Biocompatibility Assessment of the Extracted Hyaluronic Acid, Valorization of Brown Seaweeds Through Alginate Extraction for Fruit and Fish Post-harvest Preservation, Multi-Powered Drying System for Food Processing, and the Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation of a Water Driven S-Turbine/Pump.

The team also visited the  Php 60 million Research Hub, which is expected to be completed before the year ends. It will house the laboratories and the Knowledge Technology Transfer Office (KTTO).

Also presented to the visitors  were case writing, industry immersion and the 1K Cups Caffeination, which is an initiative that creates venue for discussion particularly with the business sector on research and development over a cup of coffee.

Members of the business sector were also invited to the presentation considering its importance to the research and development programs. In attendance were  Mr. Juan Jose H. Jamora, Ma. Luisa C. Segovia, Iloilo Business Club (IBC) President and Treasurer respectively, and Miss Leah Lara.

Dr. Richard Abendan, Partnership Manager, RTI, encouraged the faculty and the research and extension office to maximize the opportunity given by USAID STRIDE.

On behalf of the university, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP  for Research and Extension,  extended his  gratitude to RTI for the support and believing in the capacity of ISAT U in its research programs and activities.

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Commissioner J. Prospero E. De Vera of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) visited ISAT U Iloilo City, Miagao and Leon Campuses last August 18.

The main purpose of Cmsr. De Vera’s visit was primarily to inform the administration and the students on the update of Republic Act 10931 or the Free Access to Higher Education Law  signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on August 3, 2017.

De Vera, Chair-Designate of the  ISAT U Board of Regents and 23 other SUCs, was on listening tour visit. He aired his commitment to visit the schools in the first Board meeting when he was appointed as CHED Commissioner.  “Gagawa ako ng oras para mabisita ko ang mga campuses ng mga SUCs. . . . pagka-nagdedesisyon sa Board of Regents, mahirap kang gumawa ng desisyon kapag hindi mo nakita ang actual na kalagayan sa baba. I visit to know what’s happening in the ground and to be prepared in the next meeting. “

During the open forum, he lauded the bold move of President Duterte to grant universal free education among the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) which was never tried by previous administrations.

A resounding applause from the students was heard when the Commissioner discussed the salient features of RA 10931. “The law provides free tuition and miscellaneous fee to more than one million students starting June of 2018,” De Vera said. He also added that the law provides for free Technical-Vocational courses in TESDA, and with the approval of CHED, local SUCs would also avail the provisions of the law.

Additional subsidy for daily expenses for poor students of public and private universities and the students’ loan program with low interest was also mentioned by De Vera. Free tuition for medical programs of eight SUC’s with deferred service agreement was also highlighted.

To maximize the potential of the law, De Vera underlined the strict implementation of its implementing guidelines. “It should prioritize poor but deserving students. There must be strict admission and retention policies.” he emphasized. “The students to benefit should be serious and passed the minimum number of units required per semester and finish the course within the required period.”

Issues on scholarships and other academic matters and the benefits for the teachers were also clarified during the open forum. Commissioner De Vera also encouraged the faculty to upgrade their professionalism and avail of the scholarship programs offered by CHED.

 

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