Dr. Bernadeth F. Ticar

The research project on Extraction, Characterization, and Biodiversity Conservation of Marine-Sourced Bioactive Natural Polysaccharides as Potential Functional Ingredients in Food and Nutraceuticals received  13 million pesos funding from the Discovery Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Interdisciplinary Opportunities (DARE-TO) Grant-in-Aid for Higher Education Faculty and Staff Affected by the K to 12 Transition by the Commission on Higher Education.

The project is based on previous studies on the curative powers of group of compounds known as glycosaminoglycans among marine organisms specifically on marine invertebrates. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which includes hyaluronic acids (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparin, are large, complex, carbohydrate molecules that interact with a wide range of proteins involve in pathological and physiological processes.

Hyaluronic acids are ubiquitous in normal and pathological biological process, a very effective hydrating agent, and plays an important role in stimulating immune system. It is also used to increase joint mobility, clear eye vision, anti-aging, and as wound healing promoter. On the other hand, CS has unique anti-coagulant properties. It is also useful as a target for the development of cancer and at present it is also used as an oral drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Heparin is used as an anticoagulant drug but also possesses anti-sepsis, anti-spontaneous abortion, anti-selecting mediated inflammation, anti-cystitis and anti-tumor metastasis properties.

The ISAT U researchers are embarking on  the study because of the richness  in the local seas of  marine organism and the less studied bioactive compounds, nutraceutical properties and other potential health benefits.

The team headed by Dr. Bernadeth F. Ticar focuses on the extractions of GAGs in marine organisms along the coastal areas of Guimaras Islands, Northern Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz Provinces. The  content will be subjected to bioactivities assessment that will be used for engineering of potential functional ingredients in food products, supplements and nutraceuticals.

Iloilo Science and Technology University bagged the most number of gold medals in the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA)  Games 2017 held at the University of Antique on Dec. 3-9, 2017.

The athletes harvested 85 gold, 29 silver and 63 bronze medals in 30 events they competed with players from 11 other state universities and colleges in Region VI.

The superb performance were notable in the individual events. The gold, silver and bronze medals were netted in arnis (men and women), athletics (men and women), karatedo (men and women) and swimming (men and women). More gold medals were also nailed in pencak silat (men and women), badminton (women), chess (men), sepak takraw (men), and volleyball (women).

The silver medals were also secured in badminton (men) and beach volleyball (women) and more bronze medals were reaped in basketball (women), beach volleyball (men), boxing (men), dance sports, football (men), taekwondo (men and women) and volleyball (men).

The SCUAA Regional Games 2017 also marked some significant developments. Aside from the re-entry of CPSU, NONESCOST, CHMSC from Negros Island and the UPV, the affair also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC).

The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) approved the grant of financial assistance to two research projects of the University during its Directors’ Council meeting held on September 19, 2017 at Los Banos, Laguna.

The project titled “Design and Development of a Programmable Dehydrator Machine for Herbal Tea Materials” of Dr. Renerio S. Mucas has  a total grant of Php 4, 983, 905.00.   The project aims to develop a dehydrator that is solar powered with electric power back-up. It will also determine the effect of the drying method presently used by local tea producers on the chemical markers on herbal tea products raw materials. The project  will also seek to determine the organocleptic, physiocochemical and microbiological characteristics of the finished products. It has a  project duration of two years from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2019.

On the other hand, the approved project of Dr. Yvette E. Gelogo, titled “ Development of Green Packaging Technology Using Eco-Friendly Materials for Rice and other Commodities” has a total budget of Php 4, 929, 172.00. The green packaging technology seeks to identify raw materials and develop a process of converting it to produce eco-friendly “green” packaging of specialty rice and other food commodities. It is also expected that the project would result to a longer preservation of rice products, reduce health hazard chemicals to prevent food contamination, cost effective and reduce carbon footprints. The project duration is two years, from December 1, 2017 to November 30, 2019.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VPRE, (right) with DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena during the awarding ceremony on November 23-24, 2017 at Cebu City.

Iloilo Science and Technology University qualified in the Higher Educational Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HEIRIT) Development Program by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of the Department of Science and Technology.

The development program is a preparatory program for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to implement, build and run a technology business incubator.

The university was included in the program after meeting the requirements on active Research & Development, existing business program/school, plans to institutionalize a Technopreneurship Program, partnership with active industry association, support from school administration, existing R&D Centers or laboratories and university counterpart funding for regional build up activities.

As one of the 20 universities qualified, ISAT U will be trained for hosting DOST Technology Business Incubators (TBI) all over the country. The validated training modules of the World Bank solely offered and distributed in the Asia and the Pacific by their subsidiary, InfoDev of Singapore and intensive training from the DOST-UP Enterprise, Center for Technopreneurship will be used for the implementation of the program.

The BS Architecture students shone in the 17th Vision Petron National Student Art Competition held at Sentro 1771, Ortigas Center Metro Manila on August 17, 2017.

“Paraw ni Nonoy,” a three minute, 46 second presentation produced by Christine Joy L. Bearneza, Azreille Rith B. Bactung and Ronielyn M. Bolante, won third place in the video-making category.

Other entries from ISAT U that were adjudged as semi-finalists were Impossible: I’m Possible by Renwil Jake S. Portodo and Paghahanap Kasagutan by Irah Jane C. Leyson for Painting-water based media and T-shirt Art Design category, respectively.

All entries were judged based in the common criteria which were theme, originality and technical execution.

The yearly competition develops the skills and talent of the youth in painting, photography, T-shirt graphics, video making and music composing.  Filipino ingenuity-Kagalingan ng Pinoy is this year’s focus.