Archives for October 2024

Philippine Higher Education Mission Conducts Extensive University Tour and Conference Participation in Melbourne

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) delegation, led by Chairperson J. Prospero E. de Vera III, went on a comprehensive Philippine Higher Education Mission in Melbourne, Australia, combining strategic university visits with participation in the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) last October 21-25, 2024.

The mission began on Monday, October 21, with a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen Barber Dela Vega at the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne. The delegation proceeded with visits to Swinburne University and Chisholm Institute, exploring potential partnerships and examining their educational frameworks.

On Tuesday, October 22, the delegation participated in the Asia-Pacific Business Council (APBC) Forum, followed by a significant visit to Victoria University. The day concluded with the delegation’s attendance at the AIEC Welcome Reception, setting the stage for the conference proper.

The mission’s centerpiece, the Australian International Education Conference, occupies October 23-24, providing a platform for international education discourse and networking opportunities. The conference brings together education leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss innovations in international education, student mobility, and cross-border academic collaboration.

The mission concludes on October 25 with visits to two prestigious institutions: the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Deakin University, focusing on potential collaborative opportunities and educational partnerships.

ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. is one of the select SUC Presidents who was invited to join the delegation along with other higher education leaders in the country.

“This mission represents a crucial opportunity to enhance our international academic partnerships and learn from global best practices in higher education, said Dr. Salistre.”

OSAS Conducts Lecture-Forum on Mental Health issues

The Office of the Student Affairs Services conducted a series of Lecture-Forum on “Gender-Responsive Mental Health Services Towards a Successful Adjustment to College Life.” Held on October 15 and 17, 2024, at the Students’ Services Hall, the lecture was conducted in 4 sessions and participated by the four Colleges of the University.

Atty. Joseph Elias Geronimo Deveza together with his wife, Dr. Evony A. Deveza, both Mental Health advocates, discussed the stages of depression and some statistics on suicide cases that has been affecting not just students but people of different ages. According to a recent study, it is foreseen that by 2030, Mental Health illness will become the no.1 morbidity. As of now, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among people of 15 – 29 years old. 58 % of these suicide cases happen before a person reached the age of 50.  In 2019 alone, there were 703,000 people all over the world who died by suicide. Atty. Deveza added that study also shows that social media has also been considered as one factor that affects our mental health. It is important according to him that families should support each other.

On the other hand, Dr. Evony Deveza, a psychiatrist, discussed the signs and symptoms of depression, major depressive disorders and relaxation techniques that could help manage anxiety and other mental health disorders. According to her, anxiety disorders can run in families. It may be pass on by parents to their children or maybe acquired by genes. If anxiety is not addressed properly, it may become worse and fall into depression. Suicide is the last stage of depression and most often, cases happen to those who belong to dysfunctional families where they cannot find love. She reminded that if the symptoms are very prevalent, we should not hesitate to take actions starting with a simple conversation. Once it is confirmed it should be brought to the attention of the family, guardian, or expert.

After the lecture, the students were given the chance to ask questions and share experiences through an open forum.

ISATU Officials Represent Philippines at World University Innovation Conference

Officials from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) joined academic leaders from around the globe at the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Conference held in Korea from September 24 to 26, 2024.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension, and Dr. Frisian Y. Causing, Director for University Quality Assurance, represented ISATU at the prestigious international gathering focused on innovation in higher education.

The WURI conference, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), brings together universities worldwide to evaluate their contributions to global sustainability and innovation. The rankings system specifically measures how educational institutions support and advance various UN SDG initiatives.

“This conference serves as a platform for universities to showcase their innovative practices and learn from global partners,” said Dr. Ambut. The ISATU delegates participated in multiple conference activities, including panel discussions on educational innovation and workshops on sustainable practices in higher education.

Throughout the three-day event, Dr. Ambut and Dr. Causing engaged in networking sessions with international academic leaders, exploring potential collaborations and sharing insights on educational advancement. Their participation underscores ISATU’s dedication to achieving academic excellence and fostering innovation in higher education.

The conference participation marks another milestone in ISATU’s efforts to strengthen its global presence and commitment to sustainable development in education. This international engagement is expected to bring new perspectives and innovative practices to benefit the university’s academic community.