The Iloilo Science and Technology University launched and inaugurated today, January 18, 2024, its Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center (CHERC), at the New Site of the University.

Leading the ceremony, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. ISAT U President, expressed that this event is a significant milestone for the university’s commitment to preserve and promote the rich Ilonggo culture and heritage while fostering educational research.

Meanwhile, CHED Chair J. Prospero De Vera III, who graced the occasion, emphasized that CHERC is not just a stand-alone museum, but rather a showcase of various aspects of Iloilo’s history, culture and people. This project which was made possible through the invaluable support of the Commission on Higher Education is just one of their many Edu-Tourism projects for the different State Universities and Colleges in the country. Dr. De Vera expressed his happiness on the launching of CHERC because this is a project that identifies the creative efforts of ISAT U and that it can help in making Iloilo City a competitive historical destination in the country.

The Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center which was started in the incumbency of Dr. Raul F. Muyong, is a Php12, 502,559.29 project with Php 9M budget from CHED and the rest is ISAT U counterpart from Fund 164.  It will serve as a museum with a digital platform to communicate Ilonggo industry and history to the whole country and other partner institutions abroad. It will also serve as a hub for students, faculty and researchers to collaborate and explore various aspects of Ilonggo history, cultural heritage and research.

Among those who attended the event were Atty. Lily Freida Milla, CHED Director for International Affairs Service, OIC Deputy Executive Director IV, CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., Education Supervisor II, Dr. Arnel P. Anceno, ISAT U Board of Regents, Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms Junel Ann Divinagracia, Prof.Melanie Padilla, former Director of Center for West Visayan Studies, Ms. Pilar Martinez and ISAT U Media partners to name a few.

CHERC will be run by Dr. Eric de la Vega, OIC, and will be under the office of Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University is set to launch its Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center (CHERC) on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 8:00 AM.

The establishment of CHERC is another significant milestone for the institution.  It was made possible through the invaluable support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) which aims to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Ilonggos while providing a platform for educational research and innovation. The center will serve as a hub for students, faculty, and researchers to collaborate and explore various aspects of the Ilonggo history and cultural heritage and research.

The Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center is a three storey building. The ground floor or the Gallery A will feature old pictures and archival documents of the university giving you the glimpse of ISAT U history. Samples of ISAT U creative industry such as wood working and fashion and design will be positioned on the 2^nd floor or Gallery B. Together with the creative industry is the digital library where the digitized copy of the local newspapers from 1913 to 1941 can be found. The digitized copy was made possible through the effort of Makinaugalingon Printing Press. With this, Ilonggo culture and heritage can be read and studied. The 3^rd level of the building is designed for a coffee shop where local products can be savoured.

The program for the launching event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a brief presentation of the rationale of the museum, and the importance of cultural heritage and educational research.

The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT) bagged 3rd Place for Best Facebook Page in the recent Western Visayas Information Officers’ Year – End Conference and Awards organized by the Philippine Information Agency.

The competition saw entries from established information offices and units of both local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) across the entire region. Despite being a first-time participant and facing stiff competition, the PICO’s innovative and engaging Facebook page stood out with its effective communication strategies, informative content, and visually captivating posts.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our PICO team,” expressed by ISAT University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “They have consistently strived to push boundaries and leverage the power of social media to connect with our community and showcase the university’s achievements and initiatives.”

The winning Facebook page, ISAT University – Public Information Office, has garnered over 103,000 followers and is known for its dynamic blend of news updates, engaging features, and creative storytelling. The award was personally received by the PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil.

This recognition from PIA adds to the growing list of awards for ISAT University, solidifying its position as a leading academic institution in Western Visayas. PICO’s success also serves as an inspiration for other information offices, demonstrating the potential of social media to bridge the gap between institutions and their communities.

The activity was held at the Citadines Hotel on December 21, 2023.

Iloilo Science and Technology University inaugurates the new Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) now at the 5^th Floor of the Students Services Building on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The office now has new facilities such as the Media Lounge, Audio Booth and the Digital Archive and Studio. Spearheading the event was Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U 2^nd University President who emphasized that the improvement of PICO is a strategic endeavour aligned with the commitment of the university to position itself as the leading science and technology university. PICO is considered by the President as an office that plays a vital role in the promotion of the academic programs of the university as well as the dissemination of the vision and mission of the university.

Alongside the inauguration was the launching of the new website of ISAT U.  According to Dr. Salistre, the website as a digital platform is not merely a virtual space but rather a manisfestation of dedication to advancing academic excellence and fostering innovation. He also hopes that through the ISAT U website, the university can bridge gaps and create a sense of unity even in a diverse community.

The overhauling of ISAT U website is a move for a more effective and efficient source of information for the stakeholders and clientele especially the ISAT U students and alumni. The refreshed website offers upgraded features including responsive design making it mobile/tablet friendly, accessibility interface to downloadable files, research outputs, university public documents, photos, curricular offerings and others. Also it has easier navigation, search functionality and integration with Google Analytics for monitoring user experience.

Another remarkable event is the launching of the first ever University Christmas ID titled “Paskong Panalo.” As the lyrics of the song goes, the university also wishes to spread love, kindness, unity and gratitude. “Paskong Pnalo” was composed by the PICO Director himself, Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, in collaboration with the ISAT U Performing Arts headed by Dr. Dyna Remaneses, and students Micah Jylle Bañas, Javan Iguales and Cydrieck John Fame. The University Christmas ID was also introduced to the media and is expected to be played on the airwaves for promotion and to serve its purpose.

The inauguration of the office was officiated by Fr. Arnel Pelanio who is also an alumnus of ISAT U. Present during the event were ISAT U key officials and invited members of the media.