Dr. Raul F. Muyong and Mr. Mitch Locsin, PLDT First Vice Pres. shake hands after the ceremonial contract signing on March 21, 2018. Also in photo are (L-R) Justine Elizabeth Morales, Hazel Amoyan, Head of Corporate Relationship Business Office, Jimmy Chua, AVP and Head, Corporate Relationship Management Office of PLDT, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr and Mr. Ned Cababasay.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company entered into an 18-million peso contract for the upgrading of the university’s internet connection and communication facilities. The upgrading will provide easier and faster access to the internet and efficient inter-office communications lines.

The five-year contract includes the installation of fiber optic backbone, the upgrade of the whole network infrastructure of the main campus, installation of the Internet Protocol-Private Branch Exchange (IP-IBX) and structured cabling for the internet.

According to Engr. Reynard Chu, Information Technology Officer I, part of the contract is for upgrading of the old copper-based UTP (unshielded twisted pair) main cables to fiber optics backbones. “The existing UTP cable is more than 25 years old and there is a need for an upgrade. The fiber optics will further accommodate wider band width considering the present and future expansion in the main campus and the new site.” Engr. Chu said.

The project will also bolster the inter-office communication facilities through the installation of an IP-IBX system. It brings with it many benefits and opens up possibilities, and the development of extensions and trunks, and other complex functions such as ring groups, digital receptionists, queues, voicemail and reporting.

Included in the contract are the subscription in the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and the increase in internet subscription from 10 MBPS to 20 MBPS for the next five years.

Members of ISAT U Administrative Council pose with PLDT Executives after the ceremonial contract signing.

The ISDN is a modern set of communication system for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video and other network services. ISDN is far advanced over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephone network. The system could provide up to 30 trunk lines.

The upgrades will strengthen the school’s computer program, help the students in their assignments and research works, hasten transactions and provide dynamic communication among the offices.

Dr. Nehema K. Misola raises a point in the presentation of the different focal persons during the workshop on February 28, 2018 at the New Board room.

An Institutional Sustainability and Adaptability through Technologies Utilization (ISAT U) Program  was created for  promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the university particularly on renewable energy and resource management.

Dr. Nehema K. Misola, Vice President for External Affairs, spearheaded the initiative as part of her output in Community Engagement Workshop in Centre Des Congres de la Gespesie at Carleton Sur Mer and study visit on Education for Sustainable Development at the University of Waterloo-Waterloo Institute of Sustainable Energy, Waterloo, Canada.

With the support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (VPRE) and the Planning, Development and Auxiliary Services (PDAS) Office, a number of university professors were tapped to conduct researches, develop projects and make recommendations relative to climate action and UNESCO-UNEVOC greening TVET institutions initiatives.

The five areas of ISAT U program with corresponding project components are the Energy Management Systems, Renewable Energy, Water Demand Management Program and the Greening and Climate Resiliency Advocacy, and Advocacy Campaign and Curriculum Development.

The group headed by Dr. Roger P. Balderas will frame The Energy Management Systems program.  It seeks to utilize and maintain effective use of energy throughout the institution, reduce energy costs/wastes without sacrificing the school’s entire operation and ensure reliable, efficient and safe power system.

The Water Demand Management Program is undertaken by Engr. Rewil R. Tornalejo and his group. It proposes the ISAT U Institutional Water Audit Project that will establish a baseline data and other critical information requirements for institutional water demand requirements.  Specifically, it promotes water demand management as a response to water shortage and climate change, develop water impounding systems, increase water security using sustainable and resilient approaches/ innovation and integrate water demand management principles into the plumbing code for old and new structures compliant to Green Building Code.

The researchers for Renewable Energy led by Dr. Renerio S. Mucas are working on a project model:  Design and Installation of a Tie Grid Solar Power System to the N-Building. The project is designed not only for school’s consumption but also for income generation.  The group targets to develop a system that will sell sun-generated power to local power service provider in case of excess in the supply for the school facility.

On the other hand, the group of Prof. Rossana R. Dureza that works on Greening and Climate Resiliency Advocacy proposes a Hydrologic Study: Basis for Water Management and Flood Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation. The study aims to identify natural source of water at the university site and the surrounding communities, assess flooding due to precipitation and propose water impounding and water catchment facilities.

Dr. Remia L. Doctora and Prof. Karen C. Daraug (first and second from left) supervise the students as they  listen to the presentation of a Philippine Coast Guard Personnel.

The ISAT U Industry, Linkages and Development Office (ILDO) and the Guidance Office  held a Career Education Program and Job Fair for graduating students of the different ISAT U campuses at the Multi-purpose Gym on February 27, 2018.

Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Director for National and International Affairs, laid down the objectives of the activity. “This is an opportunity for students to get better orientation from various companies to better understand the needs and future development in the workplace. You will be guided in making smart choices as you move forward to the work life.”

Emphasizing that quality education prepared them for employment, Dr. Raul F. Muyong reminded students to stay competitive by equipping themselves not only with hard skills but also with soft skills. Hard skills give them opportunity to be employed and soft skills which include good human relations, communications and leadership and the attitude of being a team worker keep them employed. As to their career path, the university president  steered the minds of the students by quoting the line of the song, “Do you know where you’re going to?”

The career talk and job fair open the opportunities for students to learn the different aspects of the job world.

The guest speakers for the career education were Mr. Danny S. Leonor and Mr. Jean Lito Isapol from the Philippine Statistics Authority and Ms. Glenn Mar C. Padios, DOLE Labor Employment Officer III. Mr. Leonor and Mr. Isapol explained the implications to job applications of common errors in the Civil Registry and its remedies as well. The trend in the demand in the job market was also discussed. Mrs. Padios, on the other hand, talked and gave tips on pre-employment, during employment, post- employment stage and the entrepreneurial engagement of a worker. She likewise emphasized on the rights and privileges of a worker and the responsibilities and obligations of an employer.

Thirteen companies including the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection gave orientation on their company’s profile, services and the compensation package they offer.

Dr. Remia L. Doctora, ILDO/PESO Director, said that her office plans more career education fora in the future. “We will spend more time to educate the graduating class to make them prepare as they step out of the university.” Seeing the current plight of Overseas Flipino Workers (OFWs), she mentioned of inviting the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “The students’ skills should be complemented with awareness of their protection when they work abroad, “ Doctora added.