Archives for May 2026

ISAT U Hosts WVLGRC 2026 Kickoff Meeting

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) proudly hosted the first consortium meeting of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) for Calendar Year 2026 on May 5, 2026, at the University Audio Visual Room – N Building.

The event gathered member institutions, partners, and stakeholders under the leadership of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI, setting a strong foundation for deeper collaboration, shared initiatives, and a unified vision for advancing local governance in Western Visayas.

The WVLGRC, a dynamic multi-stakeholder partnership, plays a crucial role in enhancing governance across the region. Its core functions include serving as a knowledge hub for best practices and innovations in governance, acting as a training center to build the capacity of local government units (LGUs). and providing a collaborative platform for government, academe, and civil society to work together on governance reforms.

During the meeting, consortium members reaffirmed their dedication to transparency, accountability, and improved public service delivery. Discussions emphasized the importance of joint initiatives that empower communities, strengthen disaster preparedness, and promote inclusive development throughout Western Visayas

Hosting the kickoff meeting highlighted ISAT University’s strong commitment to governance and community development. Representing the Public Information and Communications Office(PICO) were Information Officers Rommel Griffith Habaradas and Jephthah Sustituido. Habaradas presented ISAT U’s radio program spearheaded by PICO, showcasing the university’s efforts in public information dissemination. Meanwhile, Sustituido introduced the DILG Learning Management System, which he developed to support capacity-building and knowledge-sharing among LGUs.

Their contributions underscored the growing synergy between the academe and government in shaping responsive and innovative governance strategies.

With the successful kickoff meeting, the WVLGRC is set to roll out programs and activities for 2026 aimed at further strengthening LGU capabilities and fostering stronger partnerships among stakeholders. The consortium continues to embody its mission of being a regional hub forknowledge, collaboration, and innovation in governance.

Ceremonial MOA Signing Ushers in Digital Era for Iloilo MSMEs

A landmark partnership was formalized as the Iloilo Provincial Government – Office of the Local Economic and Investment Promotions, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) – College of Computing and Informatics, and Youth First Initiative Philippines – Lokal Kita Program came together for the Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on May 4, 2026.

Held at the 4th Floor, SSB Hall of ISAT U, the event marked the official launch of the Digital Transformation Initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (DXI-MSME), a program designed to strengthen the competitiveness, productivity, sustainability, and scalability of local businesses in the digital era.

The collaboration underscores a unified commitment to empower MSMEs by equipping them with modern tools, knowledge, and strategies to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. Through DXI-MSME, enterprises will gain access to innovative solutions that enhance operations, expand market reach, and foster long-term resilience.

With the involvement of Youth First Initiative Philippines, the partnership also highlights the vital role of young innovators in driving community development. The Lokal Kita Program integrates youth participation into the initiative, ensuring that digital transformation is not only about technology adoption but also about cultivating fresh ideas and sustainable practices.

Local officials, academic leaders, and youth representatives attended the ceremony, reflecting the strong multi-sectoral support for the project. The signing symbolizes a collective vision: to position Iloilo’s MSMEs as dynamic players in the digital economy while nurturing inclusive growth across communities.

This collaboration is expected to serve as a model for other provinces, demonstrating how government, academia, and youth organizations can work together to accelerate digital transformation and economic empowerment.