The Iloilo Science and Technology University community renewed its commitment to excellence in its commemoration of ISAT U 9th Charter Anniversary from May 15 to 18, 2024. The four-day celebration commenced with a caravan initiated by ISAT U Miagao Campus on May 15 which started in Brgy. Calampitao, Guimbal, Iloilo. Delegates from different campuses of ISAT U, adorned in “Pista sa Nayon” attire participated in the event.
At the opening program, Dr. Ramon N. Emmanuel, Jr., Campus Administrator of ISAT U Miagao, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of everyone. According to him, “The simple effort of wearing the attire, shows the commitment to the university and a simple gesture of saying I love ISAT U.” He also wished that as the university celebrates its Charter Anniversary, the university should strengthen unity to achieve its vision and goals.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Vice President for Administration and Finance, who represented the President, encouraged everyone to remember the 3P’s. These stand for Process, People and Partnership and the last P is Purpose. “The journey towards realizing our vision is not just a one-man journey. We need each other to achieve it. Together we cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose transcending individual differences and interests. We are in this together as one ISAT University.” Together with the Vice President for Administration and Finance were the Vice President for External Affairs, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension and the members of the Administrative Council.
Mayor Richard S. Garin of the Municipality of Miagao also graced the occasion and headed the groundbreaking ceremony of the infrastructure project for ISAT U Miagao. This project will be funded through the efforts of Cong. Janette L. Garin and Mayor Richard S. Garin. This is a three-storey building with lecture and laboratory rooms for the students. In his speech, Mayor Garin emphasized that” the journey of ISAT U has brought a lot of changes even in the lives of the students in Miagao because it has become one of the most sought after university not just of the students but also of the faculty.” He believes that once this facility is completed, it will benefit a lot of students and will also contribute to the improvement of ISAT U Miagao. Another facility that was inaugurated during the opening celebration was the Campus’ learning hub.
The celebration continued in the afternoon at ISAT U Leon Campus where a leadership and professional lecture on Smart Agriculture for a Changing Climate was conducted. In his speech, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Research and Extension, emphasized that “With what ISAT U has attained, the university is faced with two major challenges. First is how to maintain our reputation if not comparable to other universities. And second, what are we as a university in the future? We have to do our best on how we can contribute to our university not only for today but for the future.”
Mr. John A. Amorsolo, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Agriculture was the Resource Speaker for this lecture participated by faculty, staff and students of ISAT U Leon Campus.
The celebration continued the next day at Iloilo Science and Technology University Barotac Campus. The day started with a Zumba activity which was participated not just by the faculty and staff of the campus but with the Administrative Council and representatives of the different colleges from ISAT U Iloilo City Campus. The activity was hyped by the Amazing Race wherein the group of Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut was declared winner.
After the celebration in Barotac Nuevo Campus, the fun continued with the very entertaining “Si Ma’am kag Si Sir Naman, Dance with the Boss Contest” which was held at the covered gym of ISAT U Dumangas Campus. Faculty and staff burnt up the dance floor with their incredible moves that made the audience go wild. In this activity, the group of Dr. Eric de la Vega of the Office of the Instructions basked in the glory.
The highlight of the celebration was the “Gabi ng Parangal” where 119 awardees composed of Directors, Deans, faculty and staff whose excellent performance at work were acknowledged.
A talk show on the journey on the conversion of then Western Visayass College of Science and Technology University to Iloilo Science and Technology University was tackled by Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., former College President of WVCST, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the first University President of ISAT U and Atty. Leo S. Sombiro, President of Alumni Association and member of the Board of Regents. All three became instrumental in the filing and complying with the documents required by the Commission on Higher Education. The enriching discussion was aired live via Facebook and was held at the AVR-N Building on May 18, 2024.
