Archives for May 2026

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) conducted its three-day Systemwide New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) Training Workshop from May 26 to 28,2026 at the College Library, ISAT U Leon Campus. This initiative was undertaken to reinforce compliance and promote the highest standards of transparency in public service.

The workshop commenced with an inspiring message from University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., who underscored the importance of updated procurement practices in advancing ISAT U’s institutional goals and ensuring accountability in governance.

 The training features a distinguished lineup of resource speakers:

• Mr. Julius B. Undar – Chief Administrative Officer, West Visayas State University (WVSU)
• Ms. Mae L. Chua – Retired Regional Director, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VI
• Atty. Edron T. Bullo – Attorney IV / Head, ISAT U Legal Affairs Office

Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on legal frameworks, policy updates, and best practices under the NGPA. The initiative was designed to equip ISAT U’s administrative officers, procurement teams, and university leaders with the comprehensive knowledge necessary to navigate evolving public procurement laws.

This systemwide effort reflects ISAT U’s commitment to fostering integrity, efficiency, and transparency in its operations—ensuring that procurement processes remain aligned with national standards and institutional excellence.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) welcomed Ms. SiQi Zhang, owner of Dandelion Consulting Co., Ltd., during a courtesy visit on May 25, 2026. The visit aimed at exploring potential academic collaborations. Dandelion Consulting is a company dedicated to facilitating educational opportunities for Chinese students in the Philippines.

The meeting was attended by ISAT U officials led by Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., SUC President III, alongside Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Catherine A. Yap, OIC–VP for Academic Affairs; Mr. Francis Fritz B. Esportono, OIC–VP for External Affairs; Ms. Angeline E. Basco, OIC–Director for National and International Affairs (NIA); and Mr. Rayjand T. Gellamucho, NIA Coordinator for the College of Computing and Informatics.

Discussions focused on strengthening international partnerships through initiatives such as student mobility and exchange programs, academic collaborations, industry-academe linkages, and cultural exchange activities. Both parties expressed optimism about developing mutually beneficial engagements that would expand opportunities for students and faculty alike.

The courtesy visit was made possible through the efforts of Hon. Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda, who also attended the meeting. Her presence followed a successful ten-day roadshow in China, where she actively promoted Iloilo City as a strategic destination for Chinese investors.

This collaboration marks another step in ISAT U’s commitment to fostering global academic connections and advancing international education opportunities for its community.

 Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) proudly marked its 11th Charter Anniversary with a three-day celebration from May 16 to 18, showcasing alumni achievements, faculty and staff excellence, and groundbreaking innovations.

The festivities began with an Ecumenical Service on May 16, followed by Pasidungog 2026, a recognition ceremony honoring alumnus, jubilarians, and members of the ISAT U community. Research and innovation took center stage during Hakathon 2026, where faculty projects were featured, highlighting ISAT U’s commitment to advancing knowledge and technology.

Anchored on the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), Parangal 2026 paid tribute to teaching and non-teaching personnel whose dedication continues to strengthen the university’s legacy of excellence and public service. The event brought together university officials, faculty, staff, and guests in a meaningful celebration of gratitude and institutional pride.

In addition to recognition ceremonies, ISAT U inaugurated two major facilities that underscore its role as a hub for regional innovation:

• Western Visayas Regional Innovation Hub — Located at the Research Hub, ISAT U New Site, this collaborative facility provides workspaces, mentorship, networking, and business matching support to nurture local startups and boost regional economic growth. This project is in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI (DOST-VI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI) The launch was attended by DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, DTI 6 Regional Director, Ms. Mutya D. Eusores, DICT 6 Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy, and the PCCI Iloilo President, Engr. Fulbert C. Woo.
• Advanced Regional Center for Computing and Collaboration (ARC3) — Inaugurated at the CEA-ICT Building, ARC3 is a high-performance computing facility dedicated to advancing scientific research, engineering simulations, artificial intelligence, and data-intensive innovation. The project is a collaboration with ASU, NISU, and WVSU, funded by DOST.

“These milestones reflect ISAT U’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to the community,” said Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., University President, during the event. “As we celebrate our 11th Charter Anniversary, we honor the people and partnerships that continue to inspire future generations.”

The 11th Charter Anniversary celebration highlighted ISAT U’s dual mission: honoring its people and heritage while driving forward innovation and regional development in Western Visayas.

ISAT U officially launched its Heritage Month celebration on Tuesday, May 14, 2026, with a program dedicated to Panay Bukidnon traditions. Spearheaded by the Cultural Heritage Education and Research Center (CHERC), the event opened with welcome remarks from CIT Dean Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca and a rationale presented by CHERC Director Mr. Eric de la Vega. This was followed by a keynote lecture from Ms. Anna Razel L. Ramirez of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and Project Coordinator of Suguidanon Epics of Panay, who discussed the Panay Bukidnon culture and the vital documentation of the Suguidanon epics. The session was enriched by the presence of Dr. Alicia P. Magos, Professor Emeritus of UPV and the pioneer researcher of the Suguidanon, who shared invaluable insights into her groundbreaking field studies.

During the program, attendees from various colleges were treated to moving chanting excerpts from the epics Tikum Kadlum and Amburukay, performed by Teresita Caballero, daughter of the legendary Lola Susa. Following an open forum, students visited the CHERC Museum to interact with exhibits honoring Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awardees. A focal point of the gallery is Federico “Tay Pedring” Caballero, the master chanter and GAMABA Awardee, instrumental in the complete documentation of the Suguidanon epics. Through these displays, students were able to explore the rich narratives and linguistic depth of these indigenous masterpieces firsthand.

The celebration is set to continue this coming Tuesday, May 19, starting at 8:00 AM at the GAD Grounds, where the university invites the public to witness heritage come alive. The upcoming program will feature award-winning photographer Mr. Marc Leo Layson, who will discuss  cultural heritage documentation. The event will also offer immersive live demonstrations of Panubok embroidery and the Binanog dance, performed by members of the Panay Bukidnon community. This remains a premier opportunity for the university community to engage directly with the living traditions of Panay and the legacies preserved by scholars and the Panay Bukidnon.