Iloilo Science and Technology University celebrated its 8th Charter Anniversary with the theme, Breakthroughs and Transformation: A Celebration. The weeklong festivity started with a caravan within the city area last May 14, featuring all the topnotchers across the system.

The theme, Breakthroughs and Transformation: A Celebration, was chosen to highlight and give emphasis all the achievements and blessings the University has achieved for eight years that is worthy to be celebrated.

All the breakthroughs and transformations are a clear manifestation that the administration is doing its best to deliver quality education and services to all its stakeholders.

A thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Joaper G. Geraneo, Vice Chancellor and the Secretary to the Archbishop of Jaro, commenced after the simultaneous Zumba activity.

During his homily, Fr. Geraneo highlighted that God works through everyone, and we are differently gifted and that we compliment each.

“The school has been honored through the many wonderful, bright, and talented products. Added to that is the strong sense of cooperation of everyone,” shared by Fr. Geraneo.

After the thanksgiving mass, the blessing of the University Library, L-Building, and the unveiling of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars followed.

During the opening program, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. expressed that ISAT U has undergone remarkable changes, developments, and achievements that have propelled everyone towards greater heights.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also take this opportunity to recognize the breakthroughs and transformations that have taken place within our institution and reflect upon how far we have come,” said Dr. Salistre.

“The history of the Iloilo Science and Technology University is one that is rooted on innovation, excellence, and progress. Since our establishment in 1905 as an elementary trade school, ISAT U has grown to become a leading institution of higher learning, research, and development in the region,” he added.

University President Dr. Raul F. Muyong declared the opening of the Charter Week with high spirit, encouraging everyone to participate in the different activities for the week-long celebration.

Mr. Jay Treñas, representing the City Mayor Hon. Jerry P. Treñas also graced the gathering. He expressed how the city government appreciates the achievements of the University over the years.

Present during the celebration were the Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Nemia H. Mabacquiao and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Corazon P. Corbal.

Joshua Aniken Garcia Acusta, ranked no. 1 and Dante John Sudario Robles, ranked no. 4 in the Electronics Engineering and Electronics Technician board exams respectively based on the results released by the PRC on Wednesday, April 26.

Engr. Acusta and Engr. Robles belong to the graduates of batch 2022. Both are outstanding performers in their academics and are also champion chess players.

In an interview, Engr. Acusta revealed that  he was not expecting to be the Top 1 although there are a lot of people telling him that he has the potential.

“I was not really expecting it. However, some people including my professors in college were telling me otherwise. Giving you pressure in a good way.”

Engr. Robles on the other hand revealed that they followed certain ‘superstitions’ when they took the exams.

“We just laughed about it but before taking the exams, we also  observed using something red and even had our p

encil sharpened by a previous topnotcher”, he said.

Both topnotchers will receive cash incentives from the University with Engr. Acusta getting 100k and 25k for Engr. Robles. A testimonial dinner will also be conducted in their honor and the other passers of the licensure exams.

CHED Chair Popoy De Vera commended this feat of the University in his Facebook post.

“After last months testimonial dinner for the 48/48 passing and #4 in the mechanical engineering exam, eto naman #1 sa electronics engineering exam ang ISATU! Congratulations President Raul Muyong and the faculty of ISATU for your mentorship! Testimonial dinner na ulit!”

For his part, ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong attributes this success to a number of factors. He said, “This is a culmination of   a number of things. A stringent selection process in our admission, hiring of quality faculty members, and the provision of an enabling environment in the University where opportunity like this could grow and prosper.”

In less than a year from June 2022, the University was able to produce the following topnotchers from various licensure exams:

Rank 1 – Architect Licensure Examination

Rank 1 – Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination

Rank 4 – Licensure Examination for Mechanical Engineers

Rank 4 – Electronics Technician Licensure Exams

Rank 7 – Agriculturist Licensure Exams

Rank 10 – Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers

The University hosted a Testimonial Dinner in honor of Engr. Nikko Perez Martirizar, Rank 4 and passers of the February 2023 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Exams on April 14 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Engr. Martirizar is the 4th Topnotcher produced by the University after a string of exemplary performances from Ar. Ofianga (Rank 1), Orr (Rank 7), and Nobleza (Rank 10) in Architect, Agriculturist, and Professional Teachers board exams respectively.

The ISAT U new Mechanical Engineers also registered a 44/44 or 100% passing rate for first time takers which gave t

he University a distinction as the TOP 2 Performing School in the entire country.

“We are happy for the achievement of Engr. Martirizar. We commend our faculty members from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) and personnel for putting us on the map once again through this performance,” according to Dr. Muyong.

CHED Chair Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III emphasized the role of the faculty members and the entire organization in producing topnotchers. Chair Popoy is one of the attendees together with CHED VI Regional Director  Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, and other members of the Board of Regents of the University.

Engr. Martirizar received a monetary incentive of 25K and other cash and non – cash incentives from Dr. Muyong, CHED Chair Popoy, and members of the board.

Four faculty members from the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) have returned from Chandigarh University (CU) in India, where they participated as resource speakers in the International Faculty Exchange Program (IFEP). The program aimed to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two universities.

The ISAT U faculty members who participated in the program on April 9 to 21, 2023 were Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. – Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Ramil G. Lumauag – ISAT U Dumangas Campus Administrator; Dr. Richard C. De Leon – Director, Research Services Division; and Dr. Renerio S. Mucas – Senior Researcher. During their stay at Chandigarh University, India, the faculty members shared their expertise in various fields, including research, engineering, and information technology. They also had the opportunity to learn about Indian culture and higher education practices in the region.

The International Faculty Exchange Program is a collaboration between Chandigarh University, ISAT U, and many more international cohorts around the world that sent delegations to share their time and expertise with the CU stakeholders. This mobility program is part of ISAT U’s efforts to enhance its internationalization agenda and promote academic excellence through collaboration with other institutions around the world.

– Jieza J. Napone, LPT

April 24, 2023 – Iloilo Science and Technology University through the Student Republic organized a student-administration dialogue. Select student leaders and representatives from the different colleges were invited to attend the said forum.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Raul F. Muyong stated that the main purpose of the activity is for the students not only to vent out their concerns and issues but also to listen to the best practices they have experienced in the duration of their stay in the university.

“I would like to commend the Student Republic for organizing this forum and always remember you students are the most important stakeholder of this Institution and we want to hear from you. We will do our best to listen and address your concerns but please do not just speak out your issues and concerns. We also would like to listen to the best practices that we are practicing here in our academe,” expressed Dr. Muyong.

The students complained mainly about the unbearable weather condition they are experiencing inside the classroom with heat index reaching as high as 43 degrees Celsius.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., the VP for Administration and Finance gave assurance that there will be water dispensers to be installed in the different strategic locations inside the University as soon as the purchasing process is completed. The water will be free for all students for as long as they have their own tumblers.

Other concerns raised were the late submission of grades, dysfunctional locks of the comfort rooms, cafeteria schedule and possibility of opening a new cafeteria in the new site.

Mr. Rhyin Vincent Amalay, Chair, Student Discipline Committee served as the moderator of the consultation.

Department of Science and Technology, DOST – ASTI, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Iloilo Science and Technology University and LGU of Dumangas inaugurate the Iloilo Ground Receiving Station on Friday, March 10.

The ground receiving station facility is the only one in Western Visayas and the 3rd of its kind in the entire Philippines. DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga stressed that the GRS is a very important facility as space science technology has a lot of applications particularly on addressing the socio development requirements of the country as a whole.

DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia likened the facility to “a bridge that connects us to the vast expanse of space.” Further showing the potential of the facility to drive science – based decisions on various levels of governance and sectors of the society.

Ground Receiving Stations (GRS) are built to collect and stream remote sensing satellite data to users. These data can be used for research and development activities and disaster risk reduction management among many others.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency also provided resources and expertise in the project. Mr. Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippines Chief Representative underscored the continuous support of their organization in realizing this initiative and in many other projects that sought to improve the lives of the people.

ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong expressed his gratitude to all the partners who made the project possible. “The University is now working on a proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology Program in view of this project. We are also training and conducting benchmarking activities for our people to ensure the sustainability of this laudable endeavor.”

Dumangas Mayor Braeden John Biron and 4th District Board Member Rolly Distura also sang praises to the facility describing it as a step forward not only for the people of Dumangas but for all Filipinos.

The ‘Unveiling of the Inaugural Marker’ followed in the afternoon at the GRS site located at the ISAT U Dumangas Campus. A tour and a short lecture was also given by the personnel of the DOST – ASTI to guests and media partners.

Iloilo Science and Technology University College of Industrial Technology signed a memorandum agreement with 6^th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) of the Philippine Army on February 28, 2023 at the University’s function room.

In his message, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University President highlighted the importance of building partnership with other government agencies as it was clearly stated in the Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 17 on Partnerships.

“I am very pleased for this mutually beneficial partnership between ISAT U and 6^th FSSU ASCOM. Through this partnership we are able to strengthen the existing collaboration we have that could benefit not just our community here in ISAT U but the bigger community we are serving as public

servants. Rest assured of our continued support for whatever endeavors you have in  the Philippine Army,” said Dr. Muyong.

The partnership involves providing pool of experts to teach the participants the fundamentals of their trade, providing assistance related to the needs of the trainees in the conduct of the trainings and issuing certificates to the participants upon completion of the requirements in terms of training hours and project/outputs of the course offered.

LTC Flordeliza C. Bolhayon – the Commanding Officer, Major Desi Lareen C. Resurreccion – Admin and Personnel Officer, Major Roger A. Mallorca – Operations and Training Officer and Staff Sergeant Neri Joie Soriano – Training-Non-Commission Officer from the Philippine Army were present during the said event. Select faculty members and extension coordinators from CIT together with Dr. Rene L. Celda, the dean also graced the said gathering.

Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, Director of the Extension Services Division recognized and thanked all the attendees during her message.