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.”

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.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) clinched the 2nd Runner-Up position, and the Youth Favorite Award at the 2024 National Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).

ISAT U’s Bachelor of Fashion Design and Merchandising (BS FDM) students Addy Lera Bargo and Leira Jou Mondragon represented the university with their “DUYAN” collection, which earned them the 2nd Runner-Up title. The collection also resonated with young fashion enthusiasts, garnering the Youth Favorite Award.

In addition to this achievement, another team from ISAT U’s BS FDM program made it to the Top 18 finalists. Jarre N. Silvestre and Christian Dave J. Dolorfino impressed the judges with their “Metro-Morphosis” collection, further solidifying ISAT U’s reputation in fashion design.

This recent success follows last year’s triumph when ISAT U’s Izakiah Feril and Seth Abuel Abellano, also from the BS FDM program, claimed the championship title in the 2023 Stitch-Off Street Wear Competition, also organized by DOST-PTRI.

These consecutive achievements highlight ISAT U’s growing prominence in fashion education and design, particularly through its BS FDM program offered by the College of Industrial Technology (CIT). The university’s consistent performance in national competitions demonstrates the quality of education and creativity within its fashion design curriculum.

The National Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Competition serves as a platform for aspiring fashion designers to showcase their talent and innovative designs, blending traditional textiles with contemporary urban styles.

The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) also known as the Fulbright. Commission in the Philippines hosted an Information Session for ISAT U faculty and staff on September 10, 2024 at the Technological Livelihood and Education (TLE) Center.

The event was attended by faculty and staff from the Iloilo City, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Leon, and Miagao campuses who are potential scholars for the different programs of Fulbright Philippines.

The session proper, led by Fulbright Philippines representatives Ms. Anna Kathrina Tansengco – Program Officer and Mr. Julio Amador III- Executive Director provided insightful information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and program offerings.

Dr. Bernadeth G. Ticar, a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences and a Fulbright alumna, shared her experiences as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Mississippi and encouraged the attendees to apply for the different programs of Fulbright Philippines.

With a vision of becoming a leading science and technology university in Southeast Asia by 2030, ISAT U aims to enhance both the professional and personal growth of its faculty and staff by supporting their application to programs such as Fulbright to a create a dynamic and effective academic environment.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) wrapped up its 119th Founding Anniversary celebration today with a closing ceremony at the ISAT U Multi-Purpose Educational Center.

The weeklong festivity introduced several new events, including the Sine Tanglaw Short Film Festival, which showcased student-produced films from all ISAT U campuses. The university also held its first Jingle Contest to select the official anniversary jingle.

On September 14, ISAT U launched “Pasidungog 2024,” an event honoring alumni and jubilarians. These new initiatives align with ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr.’s 10-point agenda.

Dr. Salistre called the celebration “one to remember,” stating, “The numerous activities throughout the week have made this anniversary ‘one to remember’ and a testament to our commitment to our ethos that no campus shall be left behind.”

He emphasized unity, saying, “We are a family, and families come together in pursuit of a common goal. Let us set aside our differences and work as one for the good of ISAT U. From our students to our faculty, staff, Board of Regents, officials, and even our partners—each of us has a role to play in bringing ISAT U to greater heights.”

The anniversary celebration included various activities and performances involving students, faculty, alumni, and guests. This year’s celebration was chaired by Dr. Ramon Emmanuel, Campus Administrator of ISAT U Miagao Campus.

As ISAT U approaches its 120th year, this anniversary sets a precedent for future celebrations and reinforces the university’s commitment to future – ready education, innovation, and community engagement.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman and UniFAST Board Head, Hon. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III, personally distributed Tulong Dunong scholarship grants to qualified students from ISAT U and Iloilo Doctors College on August 30, 2024.

The event, held at ISAT U Miagao campus, was attended by a distinguished group of education officials and local leaders. Hon. Janette Garin, Representative of the 1st District of Iloilo, joined Chairman De Vera in showing support for the scholars. CHED VI Regional Director Raul Alvarez, Jr. was also present, representing the commission’s regional office.

Key figures from the education sector were in attendance, including Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, OIC Supervising Education Program Specialist and Focal Person of the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAPs), and Dr. Arnold John Anceno, Education Supervisor II. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort in implementing student financial assistance programs.

The host institution was well-represented by Dr. Gabriel Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, Dr. Emily Dela Cruz, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, Dr. Ramon N. Emmanuel Jr., Campus Administrator, and Student Regent Angel R. Tibubos Their participation highlighted the university’s commitment to facilitating educational opportunities for its students.

Adding to the event’s significance was the presence of Hon. Mayor Richard Garin of the LGU of Miagao, demonstrating the local government’s support for educational initiatives in the area.

The Tulong Dunong program, part of CHED’s initiatives to support deserving students, aims to provide financial assistance to qualified individuals pursuing higher education.

This visit by Chairman De Vera underscores the government’s commitment to making tertiary education more accessible to Filipino students. The personal distribution of grants by the CHED Chairman highlights the importance placed on education and student welfare by the commission.

The event not only benefited the scholarship recipients but also strengthened the ties between CHED, local government units, and educational institutions in the region.

Photos by: ISAT U Miagao Campus Public Information Office

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) received recognition as the lead Implementing Agency of the 2024 Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project in Region VI (Western Visayas).

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded project, titled “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) for Fiber Producing and Weaving Community in Brgy. Baraclayan, Miagao and Passi City Pineapple Leaves Processor,” aimed to enhance local communities’ economic opportunities through technological interventions.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT U Vice President for Research and Extension and the project leader, personally received the award. He was joined by a delegation of key university officials and project team members, including ISAT U Regent Dr. Lino Baldevarona, Extension Services Director Dr. Adrianne Veloso, Architect Regina Falconite, Dr. Ma. Analie Celda, Jasmine Ibones, Glenda Nakila, and Gloria Fe Golveo.

ISAT U’s project focused on two key areas: supporting the fiber-producing and weaving community in Barangay Baraclayan, Miagao, and assisting pineapple leaf processors in Passi City. The initiative introduced innovative techniques and technologies to improve production efficiency and product quality in these traditional industries.

The CEST program, a flagship project of DOST, seeks to empower economically disadvantaged communities by providing access to scientific and technological innovations. ISAT U’s successful implementation of the program in Western Visayas demonstrates the university’s commitment to bridging academic research with practical community development.

This recognition underscores ISAT U’s role in driving regional development through the application of science and technology in addressing local economic challenges. The presence of a strong delegation from ISAT U at the award ceremony highlights the collaborative nature of the project and the university’s dedication to community engagement.

The award was presented during a ceremony held at the University of Antique, Sibalom Campus on August 24, 2024.