The Extension Services Division of Iloilo Science and Technology University conducted the 2024 University Extension In-House Review on January 30-31, 2024 at ISAT U Gender Center, This is to assess and evaluate the proposed extension programs/projects to ensure that these are achievable and aligned with the University’s vision, mission and goals.

Twenty five (25) concept paper from four (4) colleges in the main campus have undergone the assessment and evaluation. They were gauged on sustainability, viability and impact aligned with the broader goals and priorities of the university; and, assessed its worth along with literacy issues, poverty, ill health, malnutrition, population, migration, environmental degradation and other economic and social issues.

The university is committed to generate quality and relevant extension programs/projects to improve the level of the well-being of the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) unveiled its new Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) Technical and Communications Center in an inaugural blessing on Monday, January 29.

Officiated by Reverend Father Vincent Rabeje, CM, the launch event was attended by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, and PICO personnel alongside various university stakeholders.

Strategically located near the Multi – Purpose Educational Center (Gym), the new and additional PICO headquarters will serve as a nerve center equipping the integrated communications and campus – wide technical assistance operations mandate of the office.

The spacious facility provides secure consolidated storage and maintenance for the photography and audio equipment assets managed by the office to cover events and other activities in the University.

As Dr. Salistre puts it, “This crucial expansion investment synergizes our efforts for effectively engaging internal and external stakeholders.”

Four Engineering students of Iloilo Science and Technology University were recently sent to Japan for the Sakura Science Exchange Program. Together with the Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Rowena P. Calasara, students Raynz Ferald Patron, BSCE, Jeara Michaela Muyong, BSECE, Marc Jared Coo, BSEE, and Francis Vonn Jesura, BSME, represented the university in the immersion. The students were selected based on merit and were sent under the program of the National and International Affairs of the university and in partnership with National Institute of Technology- Sasebo, Japan.

The five-day program which started on January 15 to January 20, 2024 gave the students the chance to interblend with Kosen students and to visit historical places of the country including Japan’s first floating offshore wind turbine, and Nagasaki City, where one of the atomic bombs was dropped. Also part of the exchange program was the opportunity for the students to give a lecture to first and third-grade Kosen students about offshore floating wind turbines. They also took part in a 3D printing activity where they designed their own souvenirs. They also had the facility tour of Hytrec, which stands for “Hydrogen Energy Test and Research Center. The program was highlighted by a lecture in Hydrogen Embrittlement by Dr. Hiroshi Nishiguchi from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the same university.

All the four students were thankful for the chance of travelling and learning insights from this exchange program. As the BSEE student representative, Marc Jared Coo said, “The exchange program allowed me to see the world in a new and wider perspective, and it made me realize that we, as a country, still have a lot to improve.”

The Sakura Science Exchange Program seeks to foster international cooperation through cultural exchange and science immersion activities, to create culture and knowledgeable students who can apply their experience to advance the Philippines and the world.

The ISAT U team was assisted by Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, and Mrs. Ernie Aficionado Kakehasi, Appointed Associate Professor, both from NIT Sasebo College and Mrs. Kakehasi.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI and Congressman Michael Gorriceta of the 2^nd Congressional District in Iloilo conducted today, January 24, 2024, the releasing of the allocated budget for Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART Program) to ISAT U students.

Sixty-seven students including those coming from Iloilo Science and Technology University were identified as the first batch of qualified beneficiaries of the SMART Grant Program under CHED. They received a check worth Php25, 000.00.

This grant is given to qualified students enrolled in undergraduate program for Academic Year 2023- 2024 only. This will augment in the completion of their education and for the attainment of academic success as the world moves on from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. SMART Program is a one-time financial assistance to students in various Higher Education Institutions nationwide.

Present during the event was CHEDRO VI Regional Director Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., Congressman Michael Gorriceta and ISAT U University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr.