The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) welcomed a 17-member delegation from the Aklan State University (ASU) on September 23, 2026, for a benchmarking activity aimed at sharing best practices in information and communications services.
The activity brought together information and communication personnel from ASU’s different campuses to learn from ISAT U-PICO’s practices, systems, and approaches in handling institutional information and public communications. As part of the benchmarking activity, Ms. Lovella Chris Palma, Information Officer II, of ASU-Banga Campus, was given the opportunity to join Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, PICO Director, as a guest on his radio program, Real Talk. During the program she shared valuable insights and experiences from her role as part of the Information Unit of their university. Her participation provided an avenue to highlight the unit’s initiatives, practices and and contributions to effective information dissemination within the university community.
Meanwhile, PICO personnel also shared experiences and practices in disseminating timely and relevant information, strengthening the university’s public presence, and supporting the institution’s communication goals. The engagement also provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange insights, experiences, and strategies that may contribute to more effective communication services in their respective universities.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among higher education institutions, particularly in strengthening public information services and promoting transparency, accessibility, and effective communication with stakeholders. Through initiatives such as this, ISAT U and ASU continue to foster professional linkages and encourage the exchange of innovative practices that support their respective institutional mandates. The benchmarking activity concluded with both institutions expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from each other and strengthen their partnership through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The ASU delegation was led by Ms. Lovella Chris Palma, Information Officer II and Mr. Jesstin Jay Beltran, Information Officer I, both from ASU Banga Campus. Other members of the team were Mr. Mark Jones Delgado (Head, Talent Management, ASU-Banga), Mr. Walter Toriano (Head, Script Writing and Development, ASU-Banga), Mr. Jess Masula (Chair, Creative Media-Ibajay), Ms. Cassie Mae Ortalla (Campus Information Officer, ASU-Ibajay), Ms. Ana Mae Macaya (Campus Information Officer, ASU-Kalibo), Mr. Wilfred Paller (Head, Content Creation, ASU-Kalibo), Ms. Angel Pendon (Head, Photography and Documentation, ASU- Kalibo), Ms. Wendelyn Meňez ( Campus Information Officer, ASU-Makato), Mr. Johndale Reloj (Member, Creative Media, ASU-Makato), Dr. Joenessa Mae Raagas (Campus Information Officer, ASU-New Washington), Mr. Johnson Fernandez (Head, Audio and Technical Support), Mr. Bob Michael Diangson (Head, Graphics and Layout, ASU-New Washington), Ms. Mary Sharolen Jean Leyson (Head, Videography and Editing), Ms. Jesha Traje (Member, Creative Media, ASU- New Washington) and Mr. Ritche Montoya (Admin Aide, ASU-Banga).
