Archives for September 2025

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has once again proven its commitment to excellence, earning the distinction of being the 3rd Best Performing Agency in the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) 2024 Agency Performance Review across the Visayas region. The review assesses three (3) key dimensions, namely: financial performance, physical performance, and the timeliness and quality of report submissions.

ISAT U received a score of 4.70 rating out of 5.0 or a Very Satisfactory rating after the university exhibited exemplary financial performance. It was able to achieve a 99.6% and 99.2% rating on obligations and disbursements. The university also attained high budget utilization rates in all its programs and efficiently executed various projects under the Higher Education Program such as Free Higher Education, Tulong Dunong, and Capacity Development on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight. On top of that, ISAT U was also able to achieve the 14 Performance Indicators and successfully submitted all the reports before the deadline.

The recognition highlights ISAT U’s outstanding achievements in governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery. Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., expressed pride in the university’s accomplishment and thanked everyone for the unwavering commitment to innovation, accountability, and public service.

The DBM’s annual review evaluates government agencies and institutions based on key performance indicators such as budget utilization, transparency, and impact on stakeholders.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded a Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) College of Engineering and Architecture – ICT Room 114, held from September 15 to 18, 2025. The four-day intensive workshop highlighted DOST’s commitment to equipping educators and professionals with advanced technical knowledge in automation and control systems.

The program marked a significant leap in advancing engineering education and training, as participants made use of the newly donated Mozi Workshop equipment, along with a set of industrial automation tools previously turned over in May 2024 by Yalong Intelligent Equipment Group Co., Ltd., in partnership with Liaoning Jianzhu Vocational College. These donations symbolize a sustained global collaboration that modernizes technical education and strengthens local expertise in industrial automation.

Participants included faculty members from ISAT U’s College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), the ISAT U Center for Research, Training, and Development (CTRD) Chair, representatives from ISAT U external campuses in Miag-ao, Barotac Nuevo, and Dumangas, as well as members of the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIERD). Their joint participation underscores the broad collaboration among academic, research, and industry sectors in upgrading technical competencies for education and innovation.

The training sessions were designed not only to enhance the teaching competencies of educators but also to foster the practical integration of PLC systems into academic programs. By bridging theoretical learning with hands-on industrial practices, the initiative reinforces DOST’s vision of developing globally competitive graduates who are well-versed in automation technologies.

Beyond enhancing classroom instruction, the workshop also highlighted the crucial role of research-driven learning and technical upskilling in preparing faculty to align their teaching with the country’s growing demand for industrial automation. The strengthened capacities of ISAT U’s CTRD and partner institutions ensure that the benefits of this training cascade across disciplines and campuses.

The presence of external campus participants further ensured that the reach of automation training extends to students beyond ISAT U’s main campus. This strategic inclusion guarantees that the quality of engineering and technology education remains consistent across the university system, making advanced training accessible even in remote academic settings.

Through this effort, DOST envisions a future-ready Filipino workforce equipped to meet the increasing demand for smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and intelligent systems. More than a skills training program, the initiative reflects DOST’s long-term strategy of elevating the capacities of educators and professionals, ensuring that students across higher education institutions gain access to world-class instruction in automation technologies—an essential foundation for national development in the era of Industry 4.0.

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and heritage, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) marked its 120th founding anniversary with the successful staging of Sine Tanglaw- a Short Film Festival produced by the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO).

Held at the university Multi-purpose Educational Center, on September 10, 2025, the film festival captivated audiences and showcased the artistic brilliance of its students. Sine Tanglaw featured a curated lineup of short films that explored themes ranging from social issues and gender identity to personal triumphs.

Now on its third season, twelve entries met the qualification criteria and subsequently underwent preliminary evaluation through an online judging process. These entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, each a respected authority in their field: Ms. Shey Velasquez – accomplished producer and instructor in film and advertising; Mr. MoshMagbanua – multimedia specialist, filmmaker, and photographer; and Dr. Ricky Abaleňa – esteemed writer and professor of Communication and Public Administration at WVSU.

The spotlight shone brightly on the winners of the minor awards, celebrating excellence in cinematic artistry and performance. Here’s a look at the standout honorees:

Minor Awards Winners

• Best in Cinematography: All the Places We Go
• Best in Film Editing: All the Places We Go
• Best in Script Writing: All the Places We Go
• Best in Musical Scoring: All the Places We Go
• People’s Choice: Kaangtanan sang Handurawan

 Major Individual Honors

• Best Director: Charles Joser Gargaritano
• Best Actor: John Rosewell Duhina
• Best Actress: Izza Kate Tacdoro

Best in Film Poster

• Kaangtanan sang Handurawan
• Sa Lente ni Kalachuchi
• All the Places We Go

Best Short Film Category

• First Place: All the Places We Go by Arki 5A Production (Iloilo City Campus)
• Second Place: Mitsa by Sigrab Production (Miagao Campus)
• Third Place: Philip by Bakbak Production (Barotac Nuevo Campus)

All the winners of the minor awards received a certificate and cash prize while top 3 best films received a trophy and cash prize.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from different campuses with students from engineering, education, and information technology collaborating on film productions. Notably, the festival provided a platform for young storytellers to express their perspectives through visual narratives, blending technical skill with emotional depth. Sine Tanglaw underscored the university’s commitment to holistic education—where science and technology meet the arts and humanities.

As ISAT U steps into its next chapter, the success of Sine Tanglaw stands as a powerful reminder of the university’s enduring legacy and its vision for a future shaped by innovation, culture, and community.

In a strategic move to enhance institutional transparency and effectiveness of the communication system, the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) recently conducted a comprehensive communications audit across all its four campuses and colleges.

This communications audit which started from August 26, 2025, until September 4, 2025, marked a significant step in a meaningful dialogue and systematic evaluation of the various communications needs, branding initiatives, marketing strategies, processes, and personnel. Also, this audit helped identify opportunities for improvement, develop collaborative solutions and strengthen partnerships between central communication services and local operations.

Through focus group discussions, participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding the university’s communication systems. During the discussions, representatives from all colleges and campuses unanimously agreed to submit their respective pool of experts to serve as reference sources for future media interviews. This collaborative move aims to strengthen ISAT U’s public engagement and ensure that subject matter specialists are readily accessible for credible and insightful commentary.

As part of the university’s branding and marketing efforts, the participants also pledged to contribute entries to PICO’s flagship initiative—PICO Tutorials—a program designed to showcase academic expertise and promote institutional excellence through informative content.

In addition, the dialogue opened space for participants to voice their concerns regarding social media governance. Issues surrounding content management, accountability, and digital conduct were raised, highlighting the need for clearer policies and capacity-building to ensure responsible and strategic use of online platforms.

PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, alongside Information Officers Rommel Griffith Habaradas and Jephthah Sustituido, unveiled a new digital innovation—PICO Link. Developed by the Public Information and Communications Office, PICO Link is designed to streamline the online posting of activities and events across ISAT U’s various offices and campuses. This tool empowers departments to share updates and media content efficiently, even in the absence of PICO personnel, ensuring timely and consistent communication throughout the university’s digital platforms. Beyond streamlining online postings, PICO Link will also function as a centralized digital archive for official photos and issuances. This feature ensures that essential documentation is systematically stored and easily retrievable—especially during institutional accreditations and audits. By providing quick access to verified materials, PICO Link reinforces ISAT U’s commitment to transparency, organization, and operational efficiency.

With these collective efforts and innovations, ISAT U continues to build a more connected, responsive, and future-ready academic community. The communications audit not only highlighted areas for improvement but also ignited a shared vision for a stronger, more unified approach to institutional communication.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., University President of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), was privileged to be the only SUC President in the country to be invited as a topic presenter at the prestigious 2025 East and Southeast Asia UNESCO-UNEVOC Network Consolidation Workshop held in Seoul, South Korea. The workshop participated by UNESCO-UNEVOC member centers in East and Southeast Asia as well as other regions was conducted from September 3 to September 4, 2025.

During the workshop, current issues and policy agendas related to digitalization and green skills in TVET were discussed. Dr. Salistre had his time to speak about his topic on the first day. His presentation focused on empowering women in green and tech leadership roles through transformative TVET strategies. He emphasized that TVET programs positioned women not just as participants but as agents of change in their communities and industries. In his talk, Dr. Salistre did not forget to encourage the participants that as stakeholders, educators, and policymakers, they have to commit to embedding gender equity into every layer of TVET systems and to cultivate a new generation of women leaders who will shape the future of green and tech industries.

The workshop also included sessions on Advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through equity and capacity building; driving green transformation and digital innovation in TVET through inclusive leadership; and shaping the future of TVET: effective policies, strategies, and best practices. The participants were also provided the unique opportunity for a field visit to observe operations firsthand. Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Vice President for Administration and Finance, also joined Dr. Salistre in the said event.

The UNESCO-UNEVOC Network Consolidation Workshop aims to establish and strengthen the network among its member centers in East and Southeast Asia as well as other regions including the Philippines.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has been awarded a 3-Star rating by Quacquelli Symonds (QS) Stars for the second consecutive term, the university announced this week.

The rating, issued in August 2025, follows ISAT U’s initial 3-Star designation in 2023. The QS Stars rating system evaluates universities across multiple performance indicators against international standards, with a 3-Star rating indicating that an institution is “well-recognized internationally.”

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “Our 3-Star QS rating validates the hard work and dedication of our entire university community – our faculty, staff, students, and alumni who continue to embody our institutional vision of  “A leading science and technology university in Southeast Asia by 2030”. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue pushing the boundaries of science, technology, and innovation in higher education.”

The QS Stars system assesses universities through rigorous data collection and analysis across areas including teaching, research, employability, internationalization, and facilities. According to QS, the rating “illuminates the unique strengths and diversity of the rated institution” by evaluating a broader scope of criteria than traditional rankings.

ISAT U also recently won recognition in three categories of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). The current QS Stars rating is valid for three years and positions the university among internationally recognized higher education institutions in the world.