Archives for July 2026

ISAT U and Iloilo City Gov’t Join Forces for  Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) partnered with the Iloilo City Government to conduct a successful anti-rabies vaccination drive on July 29. The event, aptly named “Protect Our Paws: Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive,” took place at the ISAT U Gender and Development (GAD) Center, attracting pet owners and animal lovers alike.

The initiative saw 48 free anti-rabies vaccinations administered, benefiting 37 cats and 11 dogs. The drive was organized by ISAT U’s PawForce, in conjunction with the Safety, Security, Environment, Disaster Risk, and Management Office, and supported by the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo City Veterinary Office. This collaborative effort not only provided essential vaccinations for campus cats and pets belonging to ISAT U faculty and staff but also emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership within the community.

“The successful execution of this vaccination drive highlights our commitment to rabies prevention and the welfare of animals,” said a representative from the Iloilo City Veterinary Office. “It’s a vital step in fostering a safer and more humane campus community.”

In addition to safeguarding the health of animals, this initiative aims to raise awareness about rabies and the significance of preventive measures. The partnership between ISAT U and the Iloilo City Government stands as a testament to their mutual dedication to enhancing public health and protecting the welfare of pets and wildlife.

As communities continue to face the challenges posed by rabies, collaborative efforts like this drive play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of animals and humans alike. The ISAT U and Iloilo City Government’s successful vaccination drive marks a significant stride towards a more responsible and compassionate approach to pet ownership and public health.

ISAT U Joins DILG VI Consultative Review of Local Government Code

​The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) joined government agencies and multi-sectoral stakeholders in the Local Government Code Review and Amendment Program (LGC RevAmP), a consultative gathering organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI through DILG Iloilo City.

​The initiative forms part of a nationwide thrust to review, update, and propose policy amendments to Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991. The local session focused specifically on addressing the evolving administrative and developmental needs of Iloilo City as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC).

During the workshop, participants examined key challenges in local governance and formulated proposed amendments across four strategic pillars. ISAT U was designated under Pillar 3 (Service Delivery), bringing an academic and youth-oriented perspective to public service performance and community needs. Representing the university were Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil and Student Tribunal Head Vincent Rhiyn S. Amalay.

​”Academia plays a vital role in grounding public policy in real-world community impacts. Participating in Pillar 3 ensures that local service delivery reforms address both modern institutional challenges and actual community concerns,” the university delegates noted during the session.

​The recommendations gathered during the Iloilo City workshops will be consolidated with outputs from other regions to shape proposed legislative amendments in Congress.

CHED RO VI, IAS visit ISAT U for StudyPh project

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) welcomed delegations from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI and the CHED International Affairs Service (IAS) for an official monitoring visit of the university’s awarded StudyPh Program project, the Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center.

The visit assessed implementation progress, outputs, and community impact of the Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center, which is designed to document, preserve, and promote Western Visayas’ rich cultural assets while integrating heritage-informed learning and research across disciplines. The monitoring team met with project leaders, faculty researchers, and student participants to review milestones, discuss next-phase activities, and ensure alignment with StudyPh goals on access, equity, quality, and global competitiveness in higher education.

In addition to the monitoring activities, CHED RO VI and IAS held strategic discussions with ISAT U officials on the university’s application for Transnational Higher Education (TNHE)—a key milestone in ISAT U’s internationalization agenda. The dialogue covered regulatory requirements, prospective international partners, program quality assurance, and learner protection mechanisms, with a view to launching collaborative offerings that expand global learning opportunities for ISAT U students and faculty.

ISAT U leadership expressed appreciation for CHED’s guidance and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to high-impact projects and globally benchmarked academic programs.

Present during this event was CHED RO VI Reginal Director Dr. Raul F. Muyong and CHED IAS representatives Dr. Ian D. Evangelista, OIC, Office of the Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Jess S. Estanislao, Senior Education Program Specialist and Desk Officer for ASEAN & SEAMEO Affairs; Ms. Elma C. Paz, Education Program Specialist II; and Mr. Eldrin P. Delgado, Prject Technical Staff II.

The TNHE discussions outlined next steps on academic governance, faculty credentialing, curriculum mapping, and student support services, reinforcing ISAT U’s readiness to engage in high-quality cross-border education in priority disciplines.

SSEDMMO Conducts Incident Command Training

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI, conducted the SSEDMMO Fortitude 10: Executive IncidentCommand System (ICS) Training Workshop on July 14–15, 2026, at the CEA-ICT Room 309, ISAT U New Site.

The two-day training gathered selected members of the Administrative Council, personnel from the Safety, Security, Environment, and Disaster Management and Mitigation Office (SSEDMMO), and representatives from the University’s Iloilo City and External Campuses.  The training was conducted to strengthen their competencies in crisis leadership, disaster preparedness, incident management, and coordinated emergency response. This also intended to equip University leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage emergencies through the adoption of the Incident Command System (ICS), an internationally recognized framework designed to provide a standardized and coordinated approach to incident management.

Through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises facilitated by resource persons from the Office of Civil Defense Region VI, participants gained a deeper understanding of the ICS organizational structure, command functions, resource management, communication protocols, and decision-making processes essential for responding to emergencies and disasters.

By institutionalizing the Incident Command System, ISAT U seeks to establish a unified command structure across its campuses, strengthen collaboration among leadership and operational units, and ensure timely, organized, and effective responses to emergencies. The initiative also supports the University’s continuing efforts to safeguard the welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders by enhancing institutional preparedness and resilience.

The Executive ICS Training Workshop forms part of ISAT U’s comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management initiatives under the SSEDMMO Fortitude 10 program. It underscores the University’s proactive approach to cultivating a culture of safety and preparedness while reinforcing its capacity to respond to natural and human-induced hazards.

Aligned with the principles of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10121) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster RiskReduction, the training also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations SustainableDevelopment Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Through sustained collaboration with partner agencies and continuous capability-building programs, ISAT U reaffirms its commitment to developing a safe, resilient, and disaster-ready academic community capable of responding effectively to emergencies while ensuring the continuity of education and public service.

ISAT U Joins PASUC Annual Convention

ISAT U proudly participated in the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, scheduled from July 13 to 15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This year’s convention revolved around the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures.”

The PASUC Annual Convention serves as a vital platform for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to enhance their roles as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. It seeks to empower institutions to foster inclusivity and drive transformative nation-building amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The PASUC Annual Convention serves as a vital platform for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to enhance their roles as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. It seeks to empower institutions to foster inclusivity and drive transformative nation-building amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Participants engaged in discussions and workshops focused on best practices, collaborative governance, and innovative approaches that SUCs can adopt to navigate the complexities of today’s educational and societal challenges. The event also featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and connect educators, administrators, and stakeholders in the higher education sector.

The university delegation was headed by ISAT U President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., and Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs. ISAT U’s involvement in the PASUC Annual Convention underscores its commitment to driving educational excellence and fostering a culture of leadership that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity.

Ecosystem Leaders Unite for 1kcups.COM.CaffeiNation

Iloilo Science and Technology University officially opened its doors to the 1kcups.COMCaffeiNation event on July 10, 2026 which was held at the Western Visayas Regional Innovation Hub located at the university Research Hub. The high-profile gathering served as a collaborative crossroads for innovation leaders, startup founders, business executives and ecosystem enablers from across the entire Western Visayas region.

CaffeiNation shines a spotlight on the critical initiatives localized services, and major institutional milestones achieved by Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) operating across the province of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo. The event is intentionally designed as a dynamic platform for open dialogue, knowledge exchange and the forging of stronger, more resilient regional partnerships.

The prestigious gathering is anchored by key leaders driving national and regional scientific progress including Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sandro A. Mabborang, CESO II, DOST Western Visayas Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga and ISAT U President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. They were joined by a diverse cohort of key stakeholders spanning government agencies academic institutions, private industry and the grassroots startup community.

Through the collaborative environment of CaffeiNation, participants actively broke down institutional silos, sharing disruptive ideas, and laying the groundwork for a more robust, connected and highly competitive startup ecosystem in Western Visayas.

ISAT U, IRPIS Sign MOA for DigiRetool

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), through the College of Industrial Technology and the Extension Services Division, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education – Iloilo River Plains Integrated School (IRPIS), at ISAT U BoardRoom on July 9, 2026, to implement the IRPIS DigiRetool program.

IRPIS DigiRetool is a targeted extension initiative designed to enhance the competencies of IRPIS teachers and staff through capacity-building in three priority areas: school communication systems, ICT productivity and computer maintenance and emergency response and disaster preparedness.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, expressed confidence that this collaboration will strengthen more the bridge between higher education and basic education while directly addressing the practical skills the schools and communities need.  “Through IRPIS DigiRetool, we aim to equip educators with tools that improve learning delivery, operational efficiency, and safety.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond Tolentino, IRPIS Principal, welcomed the partnership. He believes that with ISAT U’s expertise, the teachers and staff at IRPIS will gain critical competencies that translate to better school services and a safer, more resilient learning environment.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of ISAT U and IRPIS to strengthen linkages between higher and basic education, promote technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and empower communities through sustainable extension programs.

Program activities will include hands-on trainings, mentoring, systems strengthening, and post-training support to ensure adoption and continuity.

University Launches College of Global Business and Enterprise

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) formally launched its College of Global Business and Enterprise (CGBE) on July 7, 2026, at the L-Building Grounds, marking a significant expansion of the University’s offerings in business education, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development.

The ceremony opened with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by welcome remarks that set the tone for the College’s vision and impact. A presentation on the CGBE journey traced the College’s development from concept to launch, highlighting stakeholder consultations, program design anchored on industry needs, and ISAT U’s commitment to innovation and global readiness.

In a keynote message culminating in the official declaration of launch, University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre,Jr., underscored CGBE’s role in cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, strengthening partnerships with industry, and preparing graduates for globally competitive careers. The unveiling of the CGBE marker symbolized the College’s mandate to drive inclusive growth through education, research, and enterprise incubation.

Messages of support from Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Regional Director VI of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) affirmed CGBE’s alignment with national priorities in skills development, digital transformation, and the internationalization of higher education. Selected CGBE students delivered presentations that showcased emerging projects and research, reflecting the College’s emphasis on practical learning, innovation, and community impact. In her message, Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed that establishing the College of Global Business and Enterprise (CGBE) is a major milestone for the institution. For her, this is a massive step toward preparing the students for an increasingly, interconnected economy. Meanwhile, Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca, the OIC Dean for CGBE expressed her gratitude to the administration for their vision and support, noting that this milestone will open up incredible global  opportunities for the student body.

The launch of CGBE opens a new chapter for ISAT U as it expands pathways in business leadership, startup creation, and enterprise solutions—anchored on strong academic foundations, industry collaboration, and a global perspective.

ISAT U Hosts WYSD 2026 Skills Summer Camp Collaboration

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), a recognized UNEVOC Center for the Visayas, opened the World Youth Skills Day 2026 Skills Summer Camp, on July 7, 2026, welcoming participants from partner institutions to a five-day, output-based training workshop focused on practical and industry-aligned competencies.

Delivered by ISAT U trainers with invited TVET experts, the non-certification skills program featured three specialized classes. These classes were Basic Robotics discussed by Engr. Marvin C. De Pedro, Engr. Roylin L. Ta-asan, both from ISAT U, and Engr. Mandy Ysmael T. Sobrepeña of Western Institute of Technology (WIT); Digital Content Creation by Ms. Michelle P. Escriba and Mr. Francis Fritz B. Esportono from ISAT U, and Mr. Jayson J. Elenzano of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), and Industrial Motor Control by Dr. Dindo B. Baldevarona and Dr. Pablo N. Minerva Jr. of ISAT U and Engr. Dennis M. Matsiri of Sabatia Technical and Vocational College of Kenya.

The camp emphasizes hands-on outputs, intercultural exchange, and meaningful youth participation, aligning with ISAT U’s commitment to internationalization. This vision was further reinforced during the welcome dinner through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sabatia Technical and Vocational College, Kenya, Tarlac Agricultural University, and Western Institute of Technology—expanding avenues for faculty exchanges, joint training, and collaborative projects.

Participants include students from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Indonesia; Filamer Christian University, Guimaras State University and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Inc.

By convening learners and experts across borders, the WYSD Skills Summer Camp accelerates practical learning while cultivating global citizenship. The partnership network ensures participants gain relevant, future-ready competencies.

ESD Visits Community for More Programs and Collaborations

Strengthening its commitment to responsive community engagement, a team of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) personnel conducted a coordination and site-scanning visit to identify potential extension program and project collaborations in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

The ISAT U delegation was composed of Dr. Ma. Cora Biton (Faculty), Aima Carmela Monteblanco (Faculty), Arlo Dave Olarte (Project Assistant), Mark Alexander Rean Golingan (Project Assistant), and Ascer Glen Magno (University Extension Associate).

The team first visited the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VI (ATI-RTC VI) at Balboa’s Coconut Integrated Farm in Barangay Vista Alegre, Barotac Viejo. The farm is managed by Mr. Mielbert Balboa, a proud ISAT U alumnus, and serves as a learning hub showcasing sustainable coconut-based farming technologies, agricultural innovations, and capacity-building initiatives for farmers and stakeholders.

The coordination visit also included Balay Kape Nagpana, a remarkable seed-to-cup coffee farm and café operated by the Ati Tribe through the Nagpana Minorities Association (NAMIAS) in Sitio Nagpana, Barangay Lipata, Barotac Viejo. The site highlights community-led coffee production while promoting indigenous culture, sustainable livelihoods, and eco-cultural tourism.

The visits opened meaningful discussions on prospective collaborations focusing on extension services, research, technology transfer, livelihood enhancement, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, indigenous peoples’ development, and community innovation. These engagements reflect ISAT U’s continuing mission to build strategic partnerships that create lasting impact and empower communities through inclusive, relevant, and transformative extension programs.

Together, ISAT U continues to bridge the University and the community – fostering innovation, sustainability, and shared progress for all.