Archives for October 2025

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has formalized its role as the research arm for a landmark local governance reform initiative in Western Visayas, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI on October 28.

The agreement, signed by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. and DILG-6 Regional Director Juan Jovien Enginiero, tasks the university with conducting two comprehensive research studies across Region 6 under the Decentralization and Local Governance Reform Advocacy Program (DLGRAP).

DLGRAP represents DILG’s flagship and pioneering research initiative in Western Visayas, specifically designed to strengthen the fiscal capabilities of local government units (LGUs) throughout the country. The program comes at a critical time as LGUs navigate the impacts of the landmark Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling and the implementation of the Full Devolution Transition Plan.

The two funded research projects will cover all provinces in Region 6—Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, examining how LGUs are managing increased fiscal resources and devolved functions from national government agencies.

Dr. Salistre emphasized the university’s commitment to producing actionable research. “ISAT U is honored to contribute to strengthening local governance in our region. Our research will provide LGUs with practical strategies and evidence to maximize the benefits of fiscal decentralization.”

Consortium Commitment Renewed

During the same ceremony, seven member institutions of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) renewed their commitments through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The consortium members include UP Visayas, ISAT University, Carlos Hilado State University, Guimaras State University, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, and STI West Negros—representing a mix of state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private higher education institutions.

The WVLGRC serves as a collaborative platform pooling academic expertise to support DILG’s capacity-building initiatives for LGUs across Western Visayas. Member universities provide technical assistance, training programs, research support, and policy advisory services to local governments in the region.

ISAT U was designated last August as the Lead Convenor of WVLGRC for a three-year term, coordinating consortium activities and serving as the primary liaison with DILG-6.

“The renewal of this consortium demonstrates our collective commitment to evidence-based local governance reform,” Dr. Salistre noted. “By working together, our universities can provide more comprehensive and coordinated support to LGUs facing increasingly complex governance challenges.”

The partnership between DILG-6 and the academic consortium reflects a growing recognition that sustainable local governance reform requires rigorous research, technical expertise, and collaborative approaches between government and academic institutions.

Results from the DLGRAP research studies are to be disseminated to LGUs across Western Visayas to inform national decentralization policy.

Photo Credit: DILG VI Facebook Page

Proving its steady rise in the national fashion arena, Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising (BSFDM) students of the Fashion and Wellness Department once again brought pride to the University after clinching the First Runner-up and Youth Fave Award at the Stitch Off: Filipiniana- Coded Tech-Know Fashion Show on October 22, 2025 at Foro de Intramuros, Manila.

Team of Jarre Silvestre, Christian Dave Dolorfino and Twinkle Joy Cabaluna with faculty coaches Ms. Jasmine S. Ibones and Mr. Peter Gagula captivated both the audience and judges with their innovative design and craftsmanship as they competed against renowned fashion design schools nationwide- adding to the university’s growing recognition.

The winning collection, “Beyond the Current” took inspiration on the lives of fisherfolks and the sea with its pleats mimicking the motion of water, while delicate embroidery follows the ebb and flow of the waves.

In its third season, Stitch-off focused on reimagining Filipiana using Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) and local weaves woven by weaving communities.

This year’s award has demonstrated the University’s unwavering excellence in fashion innovation, securing top placement for three consecutive years; Champion in 2023, Second Runner-up in 2024 and First Runner-up in 2025.

“The achievements of our students throughout the years, reflect the quality of instruction and industry exposure they receive at ISAT U,” said Dr. Edith P. Gonzales, Department Head of the Fashion and Wellness.

She added that the students’ success in national competitions like Stitch-Off demonstrates how academic training, research integration, and hands-on experiences collectively hone their creativity and technical skills.

The event organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI) aimed to celebrate creativity and promote the use of local textiles in modern fashion.

The 9th National Archives Congress brought together a dynamic assembly of archivists, librarians, records managers, museologists, information professionals, and cultural heritage custodians from across the Philippines. This even was held from October 20 to 23, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City, Anchored on the theme “Capacity Building on Digital Archiving and Preservation for Archives and Cultural Institutions,” the congress served as a vital platform for strengthening professional competencies in the digital age.

The event’s core objective was to empower participants with advanced skills in digital preservation, metadata management, ethical custodianship, and equitable access to archival resources. Through a rich program of plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, and poster presentations, attendees explored cutting-edge strategies in digitization, file format sustainability, copyright navigation, and emerging trends in archival technology.

Representing Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) were Dr. Rovilyn D. Somcio, University Librarian, Mr. Eric de la Vega, CHERC Director, Architect Ma. Regina P. Falconite, Architect John Zeus Rosalin and librarians Mr. Mario Sunday Adison, Ms. Jamela Mantiquilla, Sherryl Buňo and Mary Josette Jundio.

As part of the congress itinerary, participants visited the ISAT U Center for Heritage and Resource Center (CHERC), one of the featured institutions. At CHERC, Architect John Zeus Rosalin showcased the center’s digitization initiative, providing a live demonstration of the document scanning process using their specialized equipment. The visit also included a tour of the Memorabilia Museum, where guests had the opportunity to engage in hands-on reading of the digitized Makinaugalingon newspaper—offering a tangible connection to Iloilo’s rich historical and cultural legacy.

Beyond technical knowledge, the congress underscored the profound role of archives as guardians of truth, culture, and collective memory especially amid rapid technological transformation. It championed inter-institutional collaboration, highlighting the contributions of key partners such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), West Visayas State University (WVSU), the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. – Western Visayas Regional Librarians Council (PLAI–WVRLC), and the Society of Filipino Archivists (SFA).

Messages from government leaders, educators, and archival experts resonated with a shared conviction: digital preservation is not merely a technical endeavor but a moral. It demands a commitment to safeguarding the authenticity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the nation’s historical and cultural records—ensuring that future generations inherit a well-preserved legacy of identity and truth.