May 24, 2022 marks the significant event as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) turns over the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) facility to Iloilo Science and Technology University. This momentous event was graced by the presence of DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena, DOST-PTRI Director Celia Ilumba and DOST VI Director Rowen Gelonga.

Notably, RYPIC is the first micro-scale yarn spinning facility established outside the National Capital Region. Its main objective is to provide technical support to micro-small-medium scale enterprises who are involved in garments industry and share to them technical know-how on the development and production of natural textile-fiber based yarn. Also, it aims to boost tourism in the municipality of Miagao. This was conceptualized in 2016 as a fruit of collaboration between ISAT U and DOST.

In his speech, Dr. Muyong, ISAT U President expressed his appreciation to the action of DOST to formally entrust the facility to ISAT University. “DOST and ISAT U achieved so much success in this partnership and that is because we have a clear shared purpose, well-defined roles, and effectively structure the partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary dela Pena emphasized the importance of science and technology to revive the native weaving industry for the economic development in the region.

Present also during the turnover ceremony are Dr. Ricmar Aquino, President of Isabela State University, Ms. Noreen Marian Bautista of Panublix, Hon. Macario Napulan, Mayor of the municipality of Miagao, Miagao Mayor-Elect Oscar Garin, Jr., DTI  6 Regional Director Rebecca Rascon, PCCI Iloilo Gov  Jobert Penaflorida and RYPIC Brand Ambassador Vanessa Caro.

-Nino Legaspi I PICO, ISAT U Miagao Campus

April 25, 2022 -The university opened its gate and welcomed over a hundred students from the different colleges during the F2F classes kick-off flag ceremony after many months of shifting to online classes.

 “It’s been more than two years since the fateful day when we sent you home in March 2020 because of the COVD-19 pandemic. And it hasn’t been the same ever since. More than two years of flexible learning, online classes and using of our virtual learning environment. I am so excited and delighted today to welcome you all, our faculty and students back in the University”, Dr. Muyong, the University president said during his welcome message.

The students, faculty and staff gathered at the covered gym for the flag ceremony and kick-off activities on the said date. Select students and faculty members showcased their dance prowess once again during the intermission number organized by the Student Republic officers.

Dr. Muyong constantly reminded the students to be diligent in their studies and be serious in the performance of their duties and responsibilities while they are in school.

“While you are here in the university, focus on what you are learning because it has been said that neither intelligence nor talent ensures your success in school. Focus, concentration and perseverance are essential for you to succeed.”

VPs and other university key officials were also present during the said kick-off ceremony.

April 18 & 19 – The Human Resource Management Office facilitated a two-day training workshop entitled “Skills Enhancement and Employee Development” with the aim to help the University stay more competitive by reducing skill gaps and increase contentment and satisfaction at work and highly-motivated translated into performance and morale.

One hundred select employees from the different campuses and offices participated in the said 2-day event held at Punta Villa Resort and Convention Center, Arevalo Iloilo City. Different topics such as Understanding Work Values and Communication Etiquette, Personality Traits in the Workplace, among others were discussed and the participants learned how to write, communicate well and dress appropriately in their respective workplaces.

Resource persons from the different fields of expertise were invited to discuss things and helped the employees better understand their significance in the current position they are called to serve.

During the president’s time, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the university president encouraged all employees to work diligently and with integrity in their respective posts.

“Your job performance speaks of yourself. All of you are encouraged be efficient and effective in delivering work and service to our clients” Dr. Muyong stated.

The Human Resource Management Office of the university is a recipient of the PRIME – HRM award of the Civil Service Commission.

February 16. 2022 – The University’s Gender Center headed by Ms. Emily A. Dela Cruz launched its one-year Health and Wellness Program for Faculty and Administrative Personnel. This special project is in cooperation with the University’s Human Resource Development Office headed by, Mr. Bonnie S. Arenal.

First topic on the loop is Understanding Aging and Dementia lectured online by Mr. Richthofen C. De Jesus. In his 11-year career as a psychologist, he obtained licenses both as a Psychometrician and Psychologist from the Professional Regulatory Commission; a certification in Dementia Rating from the University of Washington-St. Louis, Missouri; and a Certification in Psychological First Aid from the Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.

This half-day webinar focused mainly on the society’s view of aging, early signs of dementia and how to handle this kind of condition. A short film based on true story was aired also for better understanding of what is happening to an aging person suffering from dementia.

“Many would think that if you age, you can no longer go out often, you are weak and sickly, you are dying, etc. When society talks about aging, they often see it as negative and that’s what we will do today. We will change that perception and I will help you try to understand that aging can be done in a graceful way…” Mr. De Jesus explained during his introduction.

Different questions and clarifications from the attendees

were entertained and answered towards the last part of the webinar.

This very timely topic surfaced because based on the Sex-Disaggregated Data in 2021, The University has an aging population. More than one-third of the faculty (36% of the male and 37% of the female faculty) are 50 years old and above. On the other hand, of the 154 permanent administrative personnel, 50% of the male and 45% of the female administrative personnel are on the same age group.

“Looking into the health and well-being of our employees is a pre-requisite to ensuring effective delivery of services. Employee wellness program provide a number of benefits. Having one, signals that we value our employees’ health and well-being and this can lead to improved employee morale. This will eventually result to reduced absenteeism, lower health care cost and better productivity”, the rationale of the project as explained by Ms. Dela Cruz, Director of GAD Center.

A two-day stakeholders’ consultation (parents, students, faculty and staff) was held last January 31 and February 2 via Zoom.

During the consultations, the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) presented the various preparations being made for the eventual holding of the limited face-to-face classes.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University President, discussed the different guidelines mandated by the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for HEIs that plan to hold limited face-to-face classes in their respective areas. He gave emphasis on the scope and coverage of the said implementation and the importance of the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“Only fully vaccinated students of HEIs located in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3 shall be allowed to join the limited face-to-face classes. HEIs shall advise fully vaccinated students with significant comorbidities themselves or living with individuals with similar conditions to consider flexible learning and take face-to-face classes in succeeding semesters,” explained the president.

Dr. Robert S. Jacobo, the university physician, also discussed the different health protocols and guidelines to be implemented once the plan is in place. An open forum immediately followed where questions and clarifications of the stakeholders were properly addressed.

The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) is chaired by Dr. Corazon P. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee is responsible for the compliances and preparations of ISAT U in line with JMC No. 2021 – 001 of the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Health on the Gradual Reopening of Campuses of Higher Education Institutions for Limited Face-to-Face during COVID – 19 Pandemic.