Archives for October 12, 2026

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has earned recognition in scientific research and innovation as its undergraduate research team was selected as a grantee of the 2026 Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products (1st Call).

The research team, composed of Lawrence Miguel Galeno, John Michael Fernandez, and Rexy Dejilla, Jr., under the mentorship of their adviser, Dr. Francis Legario, was awarded the grant for their research project titled “Bioprospecting and Functional Characterization of Terrestrial Streptomyces from Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island, Romblon for Antimicrobial Drug Discovery.”

The study explores the potential of terrestrial Streptomyces microorganisms found in Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island, Romblon, as sources of bioactive compounds that may contribute to the discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents. Through bioprospecting and functional characterization, the research seeks to generate scientific knowledge on the potential applications of these microorganisms in addressing health-related challenges.

The DOST-PCHRD Undergraduate Thesis Grant in Natural Products supports undergraduate research that explores the country’s rich biodiversity as a potential source of valuable compounds for the development of safe, effective, and affordable medicines. The selection of the ISAT U research team highlights the significance of student-led scientific inquiry in advancing health research and innovation.

This achievement brings pride to the University and inspires the academic community to pursue research initiatives that harness the country’s natural resources for the advancement of science, medicine, and public health.

Researchers from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) earned top honors at the POLARIS 2026: Policy, Action, Research, and Impact Summit, held on October 8–9, 2026, at the Research and Extension Building of West Visayas State University in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil and Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca emerged as winners in both the Best Policy Brief and Best Oral Policy Presentation categories for their respective research works addressing local governance and community-based development.

Gumaquil was recognized for his study, “Bridging the Gap Between Downloaded and Delivered: A Participatory Diagnosis of LGSF Implementation Barriers in Western Visayas,” under Track 1 on Governance, which examines challenges in implementing the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

Meanwhile, Darroca earned recognition for “BE HOME (Balay Palahuwayan): A Community-Based Accommodation Model for the Municipality of Tubungan,” under Track 3 on Tourism, which presents a community-based approach to accommodation and local development.

Adding to the accolades, Mr. Rajyand T. Gellamucho received the Most Impactful Policy Brief award for his research, “Institutionalizing IDEAMS for Sustainable Development: A Data-Driven Governance Strategy for Guimaras Province.”

Organized by the Research Managers Council of Region VI, POLARIS 2026 seeks to bridge the gap between research evidence and policy implementation in agriculture, health, education, and governance. Anchored on the theme “Translating Research into Action: Advancing Evidence-Based Policies for Regional Development,” the summit highlights the role of research in developing practical, evidence-based solutions to regional challenges.

The recognition underscores the value of research that goes beyond academic inquiry—translating evidence into actionable policies and strategies that support responsive governance and sustainable regional development. The Summit was also participated by other state universities in Western Visayas.

Congratulations to our ISAT U researchers for bringing their research from evidence to action and making a meaningful contribution to regional development

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has been recognized as the 3rdTop Performing School in the September 2026 Registered Master Electrician (RME) Licensure Examination, posting an impressive 85.19% passing rate.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engineering conferred the Certificate of Recognition on the University on October 10, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Dr. Rene L. Celda, Dean of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), received the award on behalf of ISAT U.

This recognition affirms ISAT U’s commitment to providing quality technical education and developing competent, skilled, and industry-ready professionals in the field of electrical technology. The achievement also reflects the dedication and perseverance of its examinees, as well as the guidance and support of the faculty and mentors of the Electrical Technology Section of CIT.

The University celebrates this milestone as a testament to its continuing pursuit of academic excellence and its commitment to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge and technical competencies needed to contribute to the electrical industry and national development.

ISAT U congratulates its successful examinees and the entire Electrical Technology Section of the College of Industrial Technology for bringing honor to the University through this remarkable achievement.

From September 30 to October 2, 2026, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) joined global partners in the UNESCO-UNEVOC Co-Action Initiative 2026, in a three-day Training of Trainers program. The activity, which was held on September 30 to October 2, 2026, was hosted by the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme (EHT) Paul Dubrule.

Together with the Education University of Hong Kong (EduHK), the event highlighted sustainability, inclusion, and innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The opening day featured a training workshop on Sustainability led by Ms. Claudia Killick – Faculty member of EHT Paul Dubrule. Delegates conducted sustainability diagnostics for their institutions and were encouraged to integrate findings into their annual action plans. EHT Paul Dubrule showcased its pioneering practices, including a zero single-use plastic policy, weekly vegetarian meals, canteen waste monitoring, energy efficiency competitions, bird conservation, and bicycle use promotion. Waste management data on compost, food, rice, plastics, paper, glass, and metals was also presented, underscoring the school’s holistic approach. Director François Schnoebelen further introduced the Cambodian model for hospitality and tourism in TVET, emphasizing inclusion, sustainability, and insertion into employment as pillars of effective training. In the afternoon, delegates visited Beyond Sight Café and Bakery, a social enterprise empowering blind and visually impaired youth through bread-making, Braille literacy, and inclusive services.

On the second day, Dr. Margarita Pavlova – UNESCO-UNEVOC Director at EduHK, presented the GERI Framework, a tool for assessing TVET institutions’ readiness for green transformation. She also introduced the “Building Green Mindsets through Concept-Based Curriculum” module, stressing the importance of Generic Green Skills (GGS) such as climate action planning and sustainable and inclusive education. Delegates engaged in hands-on activities, identifying green skills across occupations and practicing ESD pedagogical strategies to integrate sustainability into teaching. The collaborative exercises highlighted the growing demand for educators who can embed green mindsets in diverse learning contexts, which highlights inclusivity.

The final day spotlighted ISAT U’s leadership through the module “Kaon Ta! Sustainable Tourism through Gastronomy”, presented by Dr. Mona Luisa de Guzman- CGBE Faculty, Ms. Ageline Basco – CGBE NIA Coordinator, Dr. Dessa Quinto – CAS NIA Coordinator, and Ms. Jieza Napone – Director, National and International Affairs. The four-part module explored: Foundations of Philippine and Ilonggo Gastronomy; Gastronomy as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development; Ecosystems of Engagement Linking Stakeholders, Food Systems, and Climate Action; and Guardians of Gastronomy, Emphasizing Heritage Preservation. A workshop on culinary heritage mapping capped the session, underscoring the importance of documenting traditional dishes to safeguard cultural identity while promoting sustainable tourism. The Cambodia Training of Trainers demonstrated how sustainability, inclusion, and innovation can be embedded into TVET. From Cambodia’s hospitality model and EduHK’s green skills framework to ISAT U’s pioneering gastronomy module, the initiative showcased diverse pathways toward a future-ready, sustainable education system.

Jieza J. Napone, LPT, MAEd Siem Reap, Cambodia