ISAT University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo Province to become part of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Council (MSAT). This partnership aims to facilitate knowledge and expertise sharing among local government units and member agencies.

The MSAT will focus on areas such as public administration, disaster risk management, community development, and local governance. Other members of the council include national government agencies like the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and CSO like JCI Iloilo. Learning institutions joining ISAT University in the council are Central Philippine University (CPU), University of San Agustin, West Visayas State University (WVSU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), and UP Visayas.

The signing ceremony was part of the 2nd edition of ‘KUMBUYAHAN,’ a project organized by DILG Iloilo Province. This initiative brings together experts and stakeholders to assist local government units in improving their operations and qualifying for the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT University’s VP for Research and Extension, represented President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. at the event. He was accompanied by PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil. Other notable attendees included DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo F. Orbista, Dr. Lenny Mucho representing CPU, and Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, WVSU’s VP for Administration and Finance.

This collaboration is expected to enhance the capabilities of local government units in the region through the combined expertise of the participating institutions and agencies.

Preparations are underway for ISAT University’s 9th Charter Anniversary celebration, set to take place from May 15 to 18, 2024. Under the theme “A Renewal of Commitment and Strengthening of Unity for a Future Ready, Global University,” a series of activities have been lined up across the university’s campuses to commemorate this milestone and foster a sense of community.

The festivities will kick off on May 15 at the Miagao Campus, where a caravan, opening program, and the blessing of the new Learning Hub are scheduled. This will be followed by the blessing of another Learning Hub at the Leon Campus on May 16, accompanied by a Leadership and Professional Lecture on Smart Agriculture in a Changing Climate.

On the same day, the Dumangas Campus will host the “Si Mam Si Sir Naman Boss” contest from 1 PM to 5 PM, providing a fun and engaging platform for staff and faculty members to showcase their talents.

The Iloilo City Campus will take center stage on May 17, with the blessing of yet another Learning Hub, the Employee Sports Olympics, and the SDG Mural Contest for students. The highlight of the day will be the “Gabi ng Parangal” from 4 PM to 8 PM, where outstanding achievements and contributions of the ISAT U community will be celebrated.

The Charter Anniversary celebration will culminate on May 18 at the Iloilo City Campus with the closing program, “Hello, ISAT U!,” and the awarding of winners for the Summer Short Film Festival 2024.

By strategically dispersing the activities across multiple campuses, ISAT University aims to ensure widespread participation and foster a strong sense of community among its students, faculty, and staff members.

“This year’s Charter Anniversary celebration is not only a testament to our growth and accomplishments but also a renewal of our commitment to excellence and unity,” said Dr.  Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., President of ISAT University. “We look forward to welcoming our stakeholders to join us in this momentous occasion as we continue to chart our course towards becoming a future-ready, global university.”

The 9th Charter Anniversary promises to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration, bringing together the ISAT U community to commemorate its achievements, strengthen its bonds, and reaffirm its dedication to providing high-quality education and contributing to the betterment of society.

In a vibrant display of creativity and commitment to sustainability, the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) emerged as the frontrunner in the Mural Painting Contest, one of the highlights of the 9th Charter Day Celebration of Iloilo Science and Technology University.

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the central theme, students showcased their artistic prowess while advocating for global progress and social change.

The winning mural, crafted by the 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟒 team, comprised of Jamila Faith Abrot, Zaire Dela Cruz, and Aejhey Alajar, stood out for its captivating depiction of marine conservation and ocean preservation. Their artwork not only captivated the audience but also conveyed a powerful message about the urgent need to protect our oceans and marine life.

Securing the second position was the 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏 team, represented by Renwill Purtodo, Dionato Gahap Jr. and Sygiel Va-ay, whose mural portrayed themes of poverty eradication and economic empowerment. Their compelling visuals and thought-provoking imagery resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of addressing poverty as a fundamental step towards achieving sustainable development.

Claiming the third spot was the 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟎 team, consisting of Milagros Therese Tutanes, Joshua Gabayeran, and Beverly Pineda, whose mural focused on reducing inequalities within and among countries. Through their artwork, they shed light on the various forms of discrimination and inequality prevalent in society, urging for collective action to promote inclusivity and social justice. Their certificates and cash prizes served as a well-deserved recognition of their talent and dedication.

The Mural Painting Contest not only served as a platform for artistic expression but also fostered dialogue and awareness about the SDGs among the university community. Each mural reflected a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the goals and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving them.

Author: CEA-Adrian Pillano

Iloilo Science and Technology University once again exhibited excellent skills in sports when the university Taekwondo Team finished as the over-all champion in the 2024 Visayas Inter School Taekwondo Championship.  Held on April 20 – 21, 2024 at Robinson’s Place Pavia, Iloilo, the team swept away 11 Gold Medals, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze.

For Kyorugi Men’s Senior Division, Fin-Weight Category, Exiovince Earlle Albor (BSIT 1-B) successfully hit the gold medal together with Yuri Angelo Aguilar (BIT-CT 3-A ) in Fly Weight Category, Ratciv Corvera (BSIT 1-B) in Bantam Weight Category, RJ Donguines (BSBio 2-A) in Feather Weight Category and Marc Anthony Sanoy (BSIT 3-B) in Middle Weight Category. Meanwhile, Cheaseter John Gegudas (BAEL 3-A) finished the Fly Weight Category with a Silver medal.

The tournament became more intense in Kyorugi Women’s Senior Division when two more gold medals were added by Ellia Caress Buenaventura (BSCE 2-A) in the Fly Weight Category and Trisha Grace Igudez in the Bantam Weight Categhow hard theory. Joy Hope Lina garnered Silver in the Fin Weight Category.

The team continued to prove their dedication to their sports by adding four more Golds, three in the Poomsae Men’s Senior Division and one for Poomsae Women’s Senior Division.  Winning gold for the Brown Belt Category (Poomsae Men’s) was Arce Kenth Dapat (BSBio 2-A).  One gold was also won by Brent Rhymen Crisantine Espanola in the Yellow Belt Category and Mark Joseph Daigo in the Blue Belt Category. For the Poomsae Women’s Yellow Belt Category, Tryxzy Nycole Menesis (BIT CT 3-A) also garnered a gold medal while Sarah Nicole Poblador (BSCE 2-A) won a bronze medal also in the Yellow Belt Category and another bronze for Rica Ann Timario (BSA 2-A) in the Black Belt Category.

Kudos to the hardworking Taekwondo Team and their coaches Ms. Grace Go and Mr. Ernesto Petallo, Jr. as well as to the ISAT U Sports Director Dr. Leomar de los Santos.

The unwavering support of the administration in its continuing quest for excellence has been instrumental in the achievement of another pride of the university in the field of sports.

The Baraclayan community in Miagao celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration and blessing of their newly renovated Baraclayan Weaving Center. The project, funded by the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and implemented by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), marks a new chapter for the local weaving industry.

The old weaving center, dilapidated and lacking basic facilities like comfort rooms, has been transformed into a two-story facility equipped with amenities tailored to the needs of the weaving community. The renovated center boasts a spacious area for weavers, an office for the community, display areas to showcase their creations, and much-needed comfort rooms.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a blessing officiated by the parish priest of Miagao, Fr. Carlo Noquez. Gracing the event were distinguished guests, including Hon. Mayor Richard Garin Jr. of Miagao, ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., DOST 6 Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, Baraclayan Punong Barangay Hon. Marlou Niones, ISAT U officials, LGU officials, and media partners.

“This renovated weaving center is a testament to our commitment to empowering local communities and preserving our rich cultural heritage,” said Mayor Garin during the program. “We are grateful to DOST and ISAT U for their support in making this dream a reality.” Garin also hopes that this weaving center will set an example to other weaving communities.

President Salistre expressed his pride in ISAT U’s role in the project, stating, “Our university is dedicated to uplifting communities through science and technology. This center will not only provide a conducive environment for weavers but will also serve as a beacon for cultural tourism in the region.”

The Baraclayan Weaving Center is expected to significantly contribute to the community of weavers by providing a conducive workspace and opportunities for skills development. It is also envisioned to become a magnet destination for tourists, showcasing the region’s rich weaving traditions and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the local populace.

Regional Director Gelonga emphasized DOST’s commitment to empowering communities through science and technology interventions. “This project exemplifies how collaborative efforts can transform lives and preserve cultural legacies,” he said.

As the ceremony concluded, the Baraclayan weavers expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunities that the renovated center will bring. With renewed hope and a state-of-the-art facility, they look forward to weaving their dreams into reality, one thread at a time.

Raising the banner gold and blue, the ISAT U College of Engineering and Architecture – Civil Engineering Department has once again proven the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence in the April 2024 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.  Successfully leading the pact with an impressive passing rate of 89. 29%, the Civil Engineering Pioneer Class of 2023, surpassed the national passing percentage of 39.27%.

Twenty-five (25) out of twenty-eight (28) first time takers of ISAT U triumphantly recorded another achievement in the history of the University in the board examination conducted on April 20 and 21, 2024.  6,680 out of 17,010 aspirants all over the country passed the exam.

With the recent success in the Civil Engineering board examination, the Pioneer Class has not only set the standards but at the same time became an inspiration to the next graduates to strive harder.

The Civil Engineering program of ISAT U kicked off in 2018 with only one section and 5 permanent faculty members for the Civil Engineering Department.  As the years passed by, the enrolees started growing. Now with the increasing number of faculty members, the Civil Engineering course has become one of the most sought after engineering courses in the university.

Led by its College Dean, Dr. Rowena P. Calasara, we also take pride in the extensive experience and teaching methods of our faculty members in the Civil Engineering Department namely Engr. Al Joevid B. Mirasol, the Department Head; Engr. Aldane Belarga; Engr. Mark Lyndon Brillantes; Engr. Antonio Catubac, Jr.; Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, VPAA; Engr. Leo Gunay and Engr. Eryl C. Lazarte.

The dedication, perseverance and resilience of each and every one has brought another pride for the Iloilo Science and Technology University community. Kudos to all our passers and faculty members. This is another stamp of approval to the university vision of becoming the leading Science and Technology University in Southeast Asia by 2030.

To continue the tradition of giving transparent and fair opportunity to all aspiring candidates for the next ISAT U Student Republic and College Council Officers, the Student Republic Commission on Elections held a Miting de Avance on April 16, 2024 at the Multi-purpose Educational Center. Candidates from different parties took the stage to present their ideas and programs for the student body for the Academic Year 2024- 2025.

Milagros Therese Tutanes, the sole candidate for the position of SR President laid her plans and programs during the Open Forum. Meanwhile, as part of Miting de Avance, a debate was also conducted between the aspirants for the College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council.

Students from different Colleges took time to actively participate in the open forum and debate for they believe that this is the right avenue to determine the right leaders that would best represent the student body. Also, through their involvement, they would be able to help in the improvement of the student services and the harmonious relationship among the students, faculty and most especially their relationship with the Administration.

The Election Day is on April 22, 2024. Students will be voting for the Student Republic Officers such as President, Vice President and Senators, and for the College Council Officers they will be voting primarily for Governors, Vice Governors, Board of Directors (for the College of Engineering and Architecture), Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, PIO, PRO and College Representatives.