The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) clinched multiple awards at the 2024 Regional Information Summit held at District 21 Hotel on December 12, 2024.

ISAT U-PICO secured 3^rd place in the Best Agency Facebook Page category, outperforming numerous national government agencies and local government units across Western Visayas. The office also dominated the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) category by winning Best Newsletter for “The Hammer” and Best Brochure for the “ISAT U Profile.”

The annual summit, jointly organized this year by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), recognizes excellence in government communication and information dissemination across the region.

“These awards reflect our commitment to effective communication and public service,” said ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “PICO’s achievements demonstrate our university’s dedication to transparency and engagement with our stakeholders.”

The Facebook page award particularly highlighted ISAT U-PICO’s strategic use of social media to showcase university achievements, engage with stakeholders, and provide timely information to the academic community.

The winning publications, “The Hammer” and “ISAT U Profile,” were recognized for their comprehensive content, design excellence, and effectiveness in communicating the university’s programs and achievements.

The Regional Information Summit serves as a platform for government information officers to share best practices and strengthen their communication strategies in service of their respective institutions and communities.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) defended its championship crown for the fifth time in the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sports Festival and Conference 2024. Held on December 15 – 20, 2024, the annual sports event gathered 13 State Universities and Colleges throughout the region with this year’s theme, “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well Being through Sports”, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) as this year’s host.

ISAT U Athletes whose skills, teamwork, and true sportsmanship, gave a good fight to defend the university championship crown and dominated the games with 96 gold medals, 68 silvers and 64 bronze. Starting from day 1, the Technobees were unstoppable, winning every competition until the semis. As they approached day 3 and 4, they were already busy counting their gold medals and silvers. However, this did not restrain them from continuously leading more games until they finally emerged victorious.

Some of these games which brought them gold are Chess (Men & Women); Badminton, karatedo, Arnis, Beach Volleyball, and many more. After five days of dominating the games, ISAT U was officially awarded the championship title, with Capiz State University (CAPSU) coming 2^nd and West Visayas State University (WVSU) as 3^rd place.  During the closing program at the Tamasak Arena in Barotac Nuevo, the torch was officially passed on to Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) as the next year’s host of RSCUAA VI.

The five championship titles received by ISAT U in the RSCUAA is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team work of all the ISAT U athletes and coaches. Kudos! The ISAT U Community is so proud of you.

In response to the current issues on fake news, the Safety, Security, Environment, Disaster Mitigation, and Management Office (SSEDMMO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), collaborated with the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO), in conducting a forum on “Addressing the Spread of False Information and its Impact on our University.”

The forum which was attended by student leaders and selected students from the different Colleges of ISAT U Iloilo City Campus, discussed recognition of fake news. Jephthah C. Sustituido, Information Officer I of the Public Information and Communications Office differentiated “Misinformation” from “Disinformation.” According to him, fake news can usually be identified through misleading headlines, and through fake news websites.

On the other hand, Rommel Griffith P. Habaradas, PICO Information Officer I, discussed the approved policy on Social Media Governance. This policy oversees all the ISAT U accredited social media accounts. Habaradas clarified the role of PICO behind the fear of some organizations that it may cause suppression of freedom of press and of speech. According to him, PICO’s role is on monitoring and oversight of these social media accounts. It will be more concerned on content alignment, standardization, and risk management.

Mr. Vincent Rhiyn S. Amalay, Head of the Students Discipline Office, introduced the sanctions to be given to students who spread fake news. This sanctions do not mean to punish students but to help them manage their accounts properly to avoid misuse of their privilege and freedom of speech.

The discussion concluded with an open forum highlighting the awareness of combatting fake news and their role in maintaining the branding of each social media accounts accredited by the Public Information and Communications Office.

The College of Industrial Technology (CIT) hosted Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) and CHED Monitoring Team on November 19, 2024 at ISAT U TLE Center.

The visit aimed to assess and monitor the Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIndTech) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) programs, ensuring compliance with CHED standards.  

The RQAT spearheaded the evaluation of the 11 BIndTech programs:

• Apparel and Fashion Technology
• Architectural Drafting Technology
• Automotive Technology
• Beauty Care and Wellness Technology
• Construction Technology
• Culinary Technology
• Electrical Technology
• Electronics Technology
• Heating, Ventilating
• Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Mechanical Technology
• Welding and Fabrication Technology

This evaluation focused on areas such as curriculum, administration, faculty, library resources, laboratory facilities, equipment, instructional facilities, and student support.

Simultaneously, the CHED Monitoring Team reviewed the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program, validating its adherence to CHED’s prescribed standards and guidelines.

The findings from both teams will have a critical role in maintaining program accreditation and ensuring continuous quality improvement.

The visit underscores ISAT U’s dedication to delivering future-ready education and fostering sustainable professional development for its students.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., President of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), received the prestigious Hinimakasan Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to education. The award ceremony took place during the Educators’ Night celebration, a flagship event of the 2024 Inilusan Festival in Mambusao, Capiz.

The Local Government Unit of Mambusao, through its Sangguniang Bayan, bestowed the honor at the Angeles Lema Villareal Cultural Center on November 18, 2024. The Hinimakasan Award, launched this year, aims to recognize outstanding Mambusaonons who have demonstrated excellence in advancing education and academic development.

The recognition encompasses both teaching and non-teaching personnel who have shown exceptional service in the academic community.

Dr. Salistre’s leadership at ISAT U has been marked by increased programs/ projects in its global agenda, research and innovations, and system wide infrastructure among others. As a native of Mambusao, his success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring educators and professionals in the region.

The Inilusan Festival, Mambusao’s annual cultural celebration, showcases the town’s rich heritage and achievements. The addition of the Educators’ Night and the Hinimakasan Award demonstrates the community’s commitment to recognizing excellence in education.

“This recognition from my hometown holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of where i started and reinforces my commitment to advancing quality education,” Dr. Salistre shared.

The event was attended by local government officials, educators, and community leaders, highlighting the significance of education in Mambusao’s development agenda.