CEA Maspinabaskog: Uniting Expertise, Celebrating Diversity

The three-day CEA Days Celebration with a theme, “CEA Maspinabaskog: Transcending boundaries between fields of expertise, acknowledging potential domination in other life’s dimensions,” buzzed with excitement as students and faculty members alike prepared for a whirlwind of activities that showcased the talents and camaraderie within the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), on February 26-28, 2024.

With Philippine Mythology as its banner theme, the festivities kicked off with an adrenaline-pumping Cheer Dance Competition and followed by sports events. Teams from different departments competed fiercely in basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, lawn and table tennis, badminton, and combative sports. Spectators cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines, adding to the electric atmosphere as players displayed their skills and sportsmanship.

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) department won the championship title for the 8th consecutive time, with a total of 140 medals, out of which 83 were gold, 35 were silver, and 22 were bronze. The Electrical Engineering (EE) Department secured the 1st runner-up position, winning 45 golds, 8 silvers, and 39 bronzes. The Civil Engineering (CE) department came in 2nd runner-up, with a total of 102 medals, composed of 36 golds, 35 silvers, and 31 bronzes. The Architecture department clutched 3rd runner-up and received a total of 123 medals, with 33 golds, 65 silvers, and 25 bronzes. The Electronics Engineering (ECE) department was ranked 4th runner-up, with a total of 80 medals, 14 of which are gold, 25 silvers, and 41 bronzes.

Amidst the athletic fervor, the literary and musical contest brought a different flavor to the celebration on the 2nd-day event. Students poured their creativity into extemporaneous speaking, masining na pagkukuwento, radio drama, vocal solo (classical and pop), vocal duet, folkdance and hip-hop competitions, captivating the audience with their words, melodies and performances. The stage became a platform for artistic expression, highlighting the diverse talents within the CEA community.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the eagerly anticipated Mr. and Ms. CEA 2024 and Mr. and Ms. Pahampang 2024 pageant. Crowned as Mr. and Ms CEA Pahampang 2024 are Adrian Sumagaysay of Mechanical Engineering (ME) department, and Jana Sofia Lamparero of the Civil Engineering (CE) Department.

The laurel wreath of Mr. and Ms. CEA 2024 was given to John Kenneth Banate of the Department of Electronics Engineering (ECE) and Pearl Amad of ME, showcasing their poise and charisma, the audience was treated to a dazzling display of talent and charm.

Beyond the competitions and performances, the CEA Days Celebration fostered a sense of unity and belonging among students and faculty. It provided a platform for individuals to come together, celebrate their achievements, and forge lasting friendships and memories. Whether through cheering on teammates in sports events, applauding performers on stage, or supporting contestants in the pageant, everyone played a part in making the celebration a resounding success

The three-day extravaganza had brought the CEA community closer together, fostering bonds that would endure long after the celebration had ended. With hearts full of pride and memories to cherish, students and faculty bid farewell to another successful CEA Days Celebration, eagerly looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and celebrate as one CEA.

Article by: Engr. Adrian L. Pillano

ISAT U President Salistre Inks Key International Accords Advancing Global Development Agenda

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. joined other educational leaders from the international higher education community at Istanbul, Turkey as part of the select Philippine delegation attending the prestigious 2024 Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE).

The Philippine contingent led by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III includes fellow university presidents from Mariano Marcos State University, Mindanao State University – Naawan, and Caraga State University among others. For ISAT U, the summit represents a springboard opportunity to sign pivotal memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with overseas institutions as Dr. Salistre looks to accelerate the university’s comprehensive internationalization agenda.

“ISAT U boasts a globally attuned curriculum delivered by world-class faculty to ensure students carry both technological excellence and cultural perspectives to lead in the 21st workforce,” shared President Salistre. “Formalizing exchange pathways with esteemed international counterparts allows us to further provide globally powered development opportunities to all our students.”

ISAT U looks to sign MOU frameworks with international partners to promote academic exchange, research endeavors, and community development programs between institutions. The primary focus is on agriculture, climate change, education, engineering, and other priority fields for the Philippines.

As of press time, Dr. Salistre was able to sign twelve (12) MOUs with Turkey Universities during the Marmara Career Fair (MARMARAKAF) at the Kocaeli Congress Center and Kocaeli University Umuttepe Campus. New international partners now include Kocaeli University, Bartin University, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Duzce University, Karabuk University, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Yalova University, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Balikesir University, Izmir Democracy University, Bursa Teknik University, and Sakarya University of Applied Sciences.

Such international pacts will enrich experiences for both incoming and outgoing students of ISAT U while enlarging the university’s academic footprint. They also affirm ISAT U’s ascent as a premier hub for inclusive teaching and research excellence on par with leading global institutions.

ISAT U is delivering on its promise of nurturing the next generation of Filipino leaders prepared to make substantive change both in local communities and the world.

ISAT U PICO Conducts Strategic Planning Boot Camp in Boracay

ISAT University Public Information and Communications Office conducted a Strategic Planning and Professional Development Boot Camp at St. Vincent Cottages Resort in Boracay, Aklan from February 22-24, 2024. PICO Coordinators attended to learn about essential disciplines including basic journalism, content marketing, social media security awareness, photojournalism, and drone technology.

Coordinators were provided with comprehensive learning and skill-building experience, guided by ISAT U PICO experts. The curriculum was diverse, covering both theoretical insights and hands-on practical sessions, ensuring them to gain actionable strategies and valuable experience.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud presented the strategic planning and team building where the coordinators refined constructive information and plan for the university, especially the information and communications development.

During the boot camp, Dr. Olive Joy G. Abing, Chief of Publications, and Ms. Lucille P. Jaspe, PICO Information Officer III, focused on basic journalism. PICO Coordinators learned the fundamental principles of basic digital journalism, news and headline writing, and journalistic ethics.

 PICO Information Officer II Ms, Jovette Aimee B. Arceta discussed content marketing, Coordinators delved into strategies for creating compelling and engaging content across various digital platforms. From crafting persuasive copy to leveraging multimedia elements, coordinators gained insights into driving audience engagement and building a brand presence in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

With the proliferation of social media platforms, cybersecurity awareness has become paramount. The boot camp dedicated sessions to raising awareness about social media security risks and best practices for protecting personal and organizational data in an online environment. These were discussed and presented by Mr. Rommel Griffith P. Habaradas, PICO Information Officer I.

During the discussion, Mr. Reynaldo H. Ilangos, PICO Head for Creatives, highlighted the opportunity for photojournalism. The coordinators led practical exercises and provided constructive feedback to help participants learn techniques for capturing powerful images that convey compelling narratives and evoke emotional responses. This learning experience took place at Puka Beach.

As the sun set on the final day of the boot camp, the participants left Boracay with new knowledge, inspiration, and a network of like-minded professionals. The success of the Strategic Planning and Professional Development Boot Camp highlighted ISAT University’s dedication to nurturing talent and encouraging innovation in the field of communication and journalism. With plans in motion for future editions of the event, ISAT U PICO is ready to continue empowering professionals with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the ever-changing media landscape.

ISAT U Orgs Collab For Blood Donation Drive Program

Different ISAT University organizations collaborated and conducted today, February 13, 2024, a blood donation drive titled “Share Love, Give Blood”: ISAT U Blood Donation Drive. With the supervision of the office of Extension Services Division, headed by Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso; the Iloilo Science and Technology University College Red Cross Youth, Senior Red Cross Youth, ISAT U Student Republic, ISAT U Alumni Association, ISAT U Faculty and Employees Federation Inc., and ISAT U Organization of Industrial Technologists, worked together by initiating the campaign for this program to augment the blood supply of the Philippine Red Cross.

During the pandemic, there was low supply of blood due to the small number of donors. To answer the call of PRC on the deficiency of blood supply, this program was created and is conducted at least twice a year. Today’s schedule is the first for this year and will be followed again in September 2024. The Blood Donation Drive Program also aims to provide safe and quality supply of blood, unify students, faculty and staff and promote volunteerism especially in times of crisis.

The ISAT U College Red Cross Youth, Student Republic and the office of the Extension Services Division organized the Mobile Blood Donation Drive (MBD) targeting a minimum of 100 volunteer donors from the university, people residing within Iloilo City as well as nearby municipalities. A pre-registration was done online to determine the possible donors. The donors were assisted by the ISAT U College Red Cross Youth in observing health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each donor was also given free snacks, vitamins and a t-shirt provided by the university. The blood extraction was performed by the Philippine Red Cross.

The Extension Services Division of Iloilo Science and Technology University conducted the 2024 University Extension In-House Review

The Extension Services Division of Iloilo Science and Technology University conducted the 2024 University Extension In-House Review on January 30-31, 2024 at ISAT U Gender Center, This is to assess and evaluate the proposed extension programs/projects to ensure that these are achievable and aligned with the University’s vision, mission and goals.

Twenty five (25) concept paper from four (4) colleges in the main campus have undergone the assessment and evaluation. They were gauged on sustainability, viability and impact aligned with the broader goals and priorities of the university; and, assessed its worth along with literacy issues, poverty, ill health, malnutrition, population, migration, environmental degradation and other economic and social issues.

The university is committed to generate quality and relevant extension programs/projects to improve the level of the well-being of the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.

ISAT U opens new PICO Technical and Communications Center to boost operations

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) unveiled its new Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) Technical and Communications Center in an inaugural blessing on Monday, January 29.

Officiated by Reverend Father Vincent Rabeje, CM, the launch event was attended by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, and PICO personnel alongside various university stakeholders.

Strategically located near the Multi – Purpose Educational Center (Gym), the new and additional PICO headquarters will serve as a nerve center equipping the integrated communications and campus – wide technical assistance operations mandate of the office.

The spacious facility provides secure consolidated storage and maintenance for the photography and audio equipment assets managed by the office to cover events and other activities in the University.

As Dr. Salistre puts it, “This crucial expansion investment synergizes our efforts for effectively engaging internal and external stakeholders.”

Isat U Sends Students To Japan For Immersion

Four Engineering students of Iloilo Science and Technology University were recently sent to Japan for the Sakura Science Exchange Program. Together with the Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Rowena P. Calasara, students Raynz Ferald Patron, BSCE, Jeara Michaela Muyong, BSECE, Marc Jared Coo, BSEE, and Francis Vonn Jesura, BSME, represented the university in the immersion. The students were selected based on merit and were sent under the program of the National and International Affairs of the university and in partnership with National Institute of Technology- Sasebo, Japan.

The five-day program which started on January 15 to January 20, 2024 gave the students the chance to interblend with Kosen students and to visit historical places of the country including Japan’s first floating offshore wind turbine, and Nagasaki City, where one of the atomic bombs was dropped. Also part of the exchange program was the opportunity for the students to give a lecture to first and third-grade Kosen students about offshore floating wind turbines. They also took part in a 3D printing activity where they designed their own souvenirs. They also had the facility tour of Hytrec, which stands for “Hydrogen Energy Test and Research Center. The program was highlighted by a lecture in Hydrogen Embrittlement by Dr. Hiroshi Nishiguchi from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the same university.

All the four students were thankful for the chance of travelling and learning insights from this exchange program. As the BSEE student representative, Marc Jared Coo said, “The exchange program allowed me to see the world in a new and wider perspective, and it made me realize that we, as a country, still have a lot to improve.”

The Sakura Science Exchange Program seeks to foster international cooperation through cultural exchange and science immersion activities, to create culture and knowledgeable students who can apply their experience to advance the Philippines and the world.

The ISAT U team was assisted by Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, and Mrs. Ernie Aficionado Kakehasi, Appointed Associate Professor, both from NIT Sasebo College and Mrs. Kakehasi.