The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) affirmed its commitment as a member of the Western Visayas Local Government Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) after signing a MOA with the DILG on the occasion of the World Water Day 2021.

The MOA pertains to the reconstitution of the consortium which is envisioned as the primary capacity development provider of local government units (LGU). Since its inception in 2013, it has been successful in advancing quality services and processes in the LGU though the conduct of relevant trainings and seminars among others.

“The MOA signing focuses more on the issue of global water crisis and in raising the awareness of people. Despite world modernization, there is still a lack of access to safe water in some parts of the world. Water is very important in our everyday lives not just in our homes but even in our different workplaces.” Dr. De Leon shared.

The reconstitution is also a timely response to recent developments particularly on the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Mandanas –Garcia. In effect, the ruling modified the previous computation of the share of LGU’s and will be allowing an increase in their internal revenue allotment (IRA).

The ceremony was attended by DILG R6 Regional Director Juna Jovian E. Ingeniero, ISAT U President, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Dr. Clement C. Camposano, Chancellor, UP Visayas, Dr. Teodoro S. Robles, President, CPU and Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, President, University of San Agustin.

DILG R6 ARD Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, UPVFI Exec. Dir. Joy C. Lizada, CPU RCECC Dir. Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, ISAT U RDS Dir. Dr. Richard C. De Leon, and USA SACEO Dir. Maria Cristy E. Daguay were also present during the event.

April 7, 2021 – the Iloilo Science and Technology University launched the Kwadra TBI, a technology business incubator (TBI) aimed at commercializing university research into startups and nurturing deep technology startups.

 Deep technology refers to classification of technologies such as artificial inteligence, robotics, blockchain, advanced material science, photonics and electronics, biotech and quantum computing and other scientific & technology solutions generated through substantial scientific or engineering research & development.

This focus will leverage ISATU’s existing research & development facilities like the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC), the DTI Fabrication Laboratory, DOST Satellite Ground Center, and the research on natural products, biotech, physics and robotics.

The TBI was established through the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research & Development (DOST-PCIEERD)’s Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT).

Kwadra TBI’s services include Venture-Building, where they help scientists, engineers & innovators turn their inventions into enterprises; Business

 Support especially for services like accounting, legal, marketing, IP filing, etc; Technopreneurship & Innovation Training and Coworking and Office spaces for incubatees.

The Kwadra TBI soft launch featured welcome messages from President Raul Muyong, Vice President for Research & Extension, Carmelo Ambut, Russel M. Pili Chief, Research Information and Technology Transfer Division (RITTD), Rebecca Rascon, DTI 6 Regional Director, Rowen Gelonga, DOST 6 Regional Director, and Mario Cuñado, DICT 6 Regional Director.

Representatives from the business & industry sector also gave their remarks like Lea Lara of the Iloilo Business Club, Francis Gentoral of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, and Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Iloilo.

Currently, there are about 15 startups in the pipeline applying for incubation, including university spin-offs and has a team that includes Dr. Karlo S. Sira (Project Leader), Rayjand Gellamucho (General Manager), Noreen Bautista (Marketing & Programs), Michael Llabos (Design & Promotions) and Marie Honesty Amoyan (Admin & Finance).

– Noreen Marian Bautista

Mr. Jessraf S. Palmares took his oath as the new Private Sector Representative to the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University during the 1st Quarter, 211th BOR Regular Meeting (Virtual), held last April 15, 2021.

Regent Palmares is a consummate expert with thirty – five (35) years of experience in the corporate world. Presently, he is the President and CEO of IloBiz Solutions Incorporated that employs around 110 personnel as full time and part time professionals. He was also the Sales Head for Visayas of ABS – CBN Corporation / Digital Terrestrial Television from July 2018 to August 2020.

Apart from being a business savvy, Regent Palmares is also known for his community involvements. He is the Chairman of Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, a tripartite council that focuses on the development of Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT – BPM). He is also the Vice – chair of Iloilo Government and Academe Council, a group that addresses the gaps between government interventions and academic offerings on industry requirements.

Other engagements include membership to the Regional Tripartite Council (DOLE 6), Board Iloilo Utilities Group, Provincial Development Council (Province of Iloilo), Iloilo Provincial Investment and Promotions Board, Red Cross of the Philippines (Passi City Chapter) and Innovate Iloilo among others.

Regent Palmares is the son of former Governor and Assemblyman Rafael Palmares Sr. and Lourdes Sombong. He is married to Janette Patriarca and is blessed with two (2) children. His role as the private sector representative to the BOR is for a term of two years or until April 15, 2023.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved the offering of Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSBio) and Bachelor of Arts in English Language (AB English Language) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) effective Academic Year 2021 – 2022.

This after the Commission issued Certificate of Compliances (COPC) for the new programs March of this year. The COPC’s certify that the University is compliant to all the prescribed requirements based on the pertinent CHED Memorandum Orders (CMO). For BSBio, it’s CMO No. 49, s. 2017 (Policies and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Biology) and CMO No. 20, s. 2013 (General Education Curriculum: Holistic Understanding, Intellectual and Civic Competencies). For AB English Language, it’s CMO No. 24, s. 2017 (Policies and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies) and CMO No. 20, s. 2013 as well.

According to ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, “this is another milestone for the University and a welcome development for all the students. We are invested in what we do – educate the young and provide them with the best opportunities.”

Recently, the University also commenced the offering of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Bachelor of Human Services (BHM) and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship. For incoming first year students, the deadline of application for admission was extended until April 30, 2021.

The proposed Multiplier Farm for Native Pigs and Goats in Iloilo Science and Technology University, Leon Campus was approved for funding by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – National Livestock Program.

​The said project can provide venue for hands-on trainings for the university’s stakeholders through practicum, research, extension, production and exposure/training activities, at the same time providing them with quality stocks produced from the farm.

The Multiplier Farm for Native Pigs and Goats is situated at ISAT U Leon Campus Agroforestry Demo Farm with an area of 5, 580 sq. meters, of which 2, 000 sq. meters will be allotted for the native pigs and 3, 350 sq. meters for the production of native goats.

Prior to this venture, vermicomposting, swine production and dispersal projects were also implemented by the University in

partnership with the Department of Agriculture, RFO VI and Rotary Club of Iloilo. On the other hand, the Clonal Nursery Complex and facility was realized in partnership with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) while several other agriculture projects were implemented in partnership with

other NGA’s,  NGO’s and CSO’s.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to this effect was signed today, March 9, 2021 at ISAT University. The event was attended by Dr. Raul F. Muyong – University President, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut – VP for Research and Extension, Dr. Peter Sobrevega and company from the Department of Agriculture.

Keith Guantero – PIO, ISAT U Leon Campus