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.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has once again proven its excellence in electronics education, securing impressive results in the latest licensure examinations for electronics technicians and engineers.

In the April 2024 Registered Electronics Technician Licensure Examination, ISAT U was hailed as the top three performing school in the entire country, an achievement that underscores the university’s commitment to providing quality education in the field.

Meanwhile, in the Registered Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination, ISAT U recorded an impressive 65.22% passing rate for first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 59.32%, significantly higher than the national passing rate of 42.49%.

ISAT U’s performance in these examinations builds upon its previous successes. In the April 2023 edition of the Registered Electronics Engineers exam, the university produced the Top 1 passer, Joshua Aniken Acusta, and the Top 4 passer in the Registered Electronics Technician Exam, Dante John Robles, further solidifying its reputation as a premier institution for electronics education in the region.

The university’s accomplishments in these licensure examinations are a testament to the dedication and hard work of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the field of engineering.

As part of the commitment to its internationalization agenda, Iloilo Science and Technology University, clinched a deal with the International Talent Circulation Base (INTACT BASE) on Friday, April 12, 2024. University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. officially signed the Memorandum of Cooperation for this important milestone with Dr. Sardis Chen, Director of the Office of International Affairs of Cheng Shiu University, Taiwan.

INTACT Base is a Taiwanese organization dedicated to synergize prestigious Taiwanese and other global institutions. This endeavor seeks to foster international collaboration and further enhance the partnership in industrial-academic education through the International Industrial Talents Educational Special (INTENSE) Program. According to Ms. Krystl Lim, representative of Cheng Shiu University, one of the universities tasked to promote INTACT BASE, this program caters to graduates of partner institutions who aspire to pursue educational and occupational opportunities after graduation. The INTENSE Program integrates government scholarships and provide stipends from distinguished corporations and gives conducive professional learning environment. The main target of this program is to cultivate international talents within the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Semiconductor Technology and Finance. She also added that while on this program, the student must learn Chinese during its two year term and pass the exam. Learning the language is important considering that the student must render a return service by working in Taiwan’s prestigious companies. If after the rendering of return service the student desires to go back to his country, he may do so. However, he also has the option to stay and work for the company, if he believes that the company can provide his personal and professional growth.

Ms. Lim proudly announced that ISAT U is the first State University in Iloilo that entered into this Memorandum of Cooperation with INTACT and hopes that this collaboration will help ISAT U Alumni as well as create a good industrial and academic relationship among the University partners.

Dr. Salistre, on the other hand, is very thankful to INTACT for the trust and confidence in choosing ISAT U as one of the project’s partners. He assures the delegates from Taiwan to encourage students and alumni to join the list of the many interested students who see their future in Taiwan.

Also present during this event were ISAT U Vice President for External Affairs, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Ms. Jieza J. Napone, Marketing and Communications Officer of the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs and Atty. Chito Colonia of the University Legal Office. Representatives from INTACT BASE also included Mr. Jacky Chen and Mr. Vincent Huang.

Iloilo Science and Technology University was recently hailed as the overall champion in the most recent Regional SCUAA 2023. It can be remembered that during the awarding ceremony in September 2023, at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University in Talisay, Negros Occidental, it was West Visayas State University which was declared as winner. However, when examining the official final medal count, ISAT U emerged victorious. The University took home the top spot by garnering 45 Gold medals, 37 silver, and 20 bronze while West Visayas State University (WVSU) ranked 2nd place.

The trophy exchange between ISAT-U and WVSU took place on March 25, 2024, during the concluding ceremony of the RASUC VI Culture and the Arts Conference Festival 2024.  This was presided over by Dr. Norberto P. Mangulabnan, the head of RASUC VI and president of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University.

by: Dr. Ivymay Florenz B. Sernicula

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) brought home the 2nd place award in the Academe Category of the highly competitive MorProGRes Garden tilt organized by the Province of Iloilo. The La Guerta Verde De ISAT U, the university’s sustainable agriculture initiative, was recognized for its outstanding efforts in urban gardening and environmental conservation.

The award was personally received by Dr. Rafael Cabarles, Officer-in-Charge of the ISAT U Leon Campus, along with Quiriono Alegaen and Francis Sendin, the coordinator of La Guerta Verde De ISAT U. The awarding ceremony took place on April 12 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City.

Amidst stiff competition from 252 entries across local government units, academic institutions, and business sectors, only 32 finalists qualified for the final validation round. In the Academe Category, which featured 51 entries, ISAT U’s La Guerta Verde De ISAT U emerged as the well-deserved runner-up.

The MorProGRes (More Progressive Greening) Garden competition, spearheaded by the Province of Iloilo, aims to promote sustainable urban gardening practices, and raise awareness about environmental conservation efforts. Participants were evaluated based on criteria such as garden design, plant diversity, innovative gardening techniques, and overall environmental impact.

“We are incredibly proud of the La Guerta Verde De ISAT U team for their unwavering dedication and hard work,” stated ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “This achievement underscores our university’s commitment to sustainable practices and our role in cultivating a greener, more eco-friendly future for our community.”

Francis Sendin, the coordinator of La Guerta Verde De ISAT U, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the passion and collaborative efforts of our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to explore innovative ways to promote urban gardening and environmental stewardship within our campus and beyond.

The La Guerta Verde De ISAT U serves as a living laboratory for students and a model for urban gardening initiatives. Through hands-on learning experiences and community outreach programs, the initiative aims to inspire sustainable living practices and promote food security in the region.

PHOTO CREDIT: Francis Sendin

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Leon Campus qualified as a finalist in the highly anticipated MoRProGRes Garden initiative organized by the Province of Iloilo. The campus’ ‘La Guerta Verde De ISAT U’ (The Green Garden of ISAT U) has captivated the attention of experts and gardening enthusiasts alike.

On March 15, 2024, the ‘La Guerta Verde De ISAT U’ received a special visit from a distinguished panel of experts tasked with validating and judging the competition entries. The panel included Dr. Mary Ann A. Baldove from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Joven Recto from the Department of Tourism, Renjo B. Debil, Leanne Lei Ramos, all representing the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI).

The judging process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the garden’s design, plant diversity, sustainability practices, and overall aesthetics. The panel meticulously assessed each aspect, ensuring that the winning garden would serve as an exemplary model for urban gardening and environmental stewardship.

“We are thrilled to have qualified as a finalist in this prestigious competition,” expressed by Francis Sendin, faculty in charge of the La Guerta. “Our ‘La Guerta Verde De ISAT U’ is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff, who have poured their hearts into creating a vibrant, sustainable, and educational green space within our campus.”

The MoRProGRes Garden initiative, launched by the Province of Iloilo, aims to promote urban gardening, food security, and environmental consciousness among the local community. By encouraging the establishment of productive and aesthetically pleasing gardens, the initiative seeks to inspire a greener and more sustainable future for the region.

As the judging process nears its conclusion, the anticipation builds for the announcement of the winning garden, expected in April. The ISAT U Leon Campus community remains hopeful that their ‘La Guerta Verde De ISAT U’ will be recognized for its exceptional design, cultivation practices, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Regardless of the outcome, ISAT U Leon Campus’ participation in the MoRProGRes Garden initiative has already served as a source of inspiration and a valuable learning experience for students, fostering a deeper appreciation for urban gardening, food production, and environmental stewardship.

The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) is currently hosting the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges 6 (RASUC VI) ‘Culture and The Arts’ Conference and Festival 2024. The four-day event, running from March 23 to 26, has brought together 11 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from the region to showcase their artistic talents and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Western Visayas.

The festival, themed “Bidlisiw, Paghilom, Pagbangon, at Pagsulong” (Reflection, Healing, Rise, and Progress), aims to highlight the resilience and creativity of the region’s artistic communities in the face of challenges and adversities.

Among the participating SUCs is the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), which has assembled a formidable contingent of talented performers and artists eager to make their mark on the competition. ISAT U’s delegation is vying for top honors in various categories, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, with the goal of emerging as the overall champion.

The festival has already witnessed a vibrant display of cultural performances, captivating audiences with traditional dances, musical renditions, and theatrical productions that showcase the region’s rich heritage and artistic expressions.

“We are thrilled to be part of this celebration of culture and the arts,” expressed by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr.. “Our students and their coaches have worked tirelessly to prepare for this event, and we are confident in their ability to showcase the talent and creativity that ISAT U is known for.”

The RASUC VI ‘Culture and The Arts’ Conference and Festival 2024 not only serves as a platform for artistic expression but also fosters unity, understanding, and appreciation among the participating SUCs. By bringing together diverse cultural influences, the festival aims to promote dialogue, collaboration, and the preservation of the region’s unique cultural identity.