Erasmus+ is one of the largest scholarship programs worldwide geared towards the promotion of education and sports to the youth in the European Union (EU). The program has become one of the popular channels through which the EU developed good cooperation and collaboration between countries that promote and support academic mobility for students, faculty and staff. The Erasmus+ program offers stakeholders many opportunities to gain valuable academic, cultural and practical experiences beyond the walls of their school.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has signed an inter-institutional agreement with the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) in Spain through the Erasmus+ program for student and faculty exchange. Selected fourth year BS Architecture students from the ISAT U College of Engineering and Architecture, Frexie Jan G. Lorca, Lara A. Taclima, Krisha Angeli P. Raquiz, are in Universidad Politécnica de Madrid in Spain, as of this writing, for their internship from June 1 to July 31, 2022. Architect Regina Falconite – Head of the Architecture Department will be joining the students on July 8, 2022 and will teach in the College of Architecture until her scheduled return to the country on July 31, 2022. Furthermore, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao – Vice President for External Affairs and Dr. Juniffer B. Badoles – Director of the National and International Affairs Office have recently arrived from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid from their two-week faculty mobility program.

The students and faculty members of ISAT U received a mobility grant from Erasmus+ which made their travel to Madrid, Spain possible. The selected architecture students have been introduced to some faculty members of the College of Engineering and Architecture of UPM who will serve as their supervisor and overseer for the rest of their stay in the University, while the ISAT U faculty representatives were given a chance to benchmark some of the best practices of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and to establish linkages with other colleges and programs in the University.

For an Erasmus+ grant, the students have to be regular students at a university. Erasmus+ enables students to complete parts of their studies abroad at a university in participating countries. Their study achievements abroad will be credited towards their regular studies if they correspond to the study plan. This student and faculty exchange program between ISAT U and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid is the start of future collaborations made possible by the Erasmus+ program.

-Jieza J. Napone, LPT, MA.Ed.

The Office of the President and its different units convened during a 3-day training workshop at Damires Hills Resort in Janiuay Iloilo last June 8-10, 2022. The Gender and Development Office of Iloilo Science and Technology University spearheaded the said training-workshop through its director, Ms. Emily A. Dela Cruz.

A total of 25 participants attended the said training-workshop with the aim to mainstream gender into all University operations in order to meet the provisions of RA 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women. Series of activities and lectures were given to better understand what the law requires and how, as public servants, one can contribute to its attainment.

Ms. Dela Cruz gave a lecture on the importance of being gender-sensitive in dealing with the different stakeholders of the University most especially in identifying terms that are not biased but instead sensitive.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University president, handled the team-building segment to highlight the 3-day gathering. He gave emphasis on the importance of finding one’s purpose in the different assigned tasks each individual is called to serve. He facilitated different group activities to further engage the participants and enabled them to find their core strength as individuals.

“This team-building activity will gauge how well you know each other and this will also strengthen your capability as individuals and as public servants. You may all have different personalities and fields of expertise but as one community, we are called to serve with utmost integrity. We are called to unite as one ISAT U family.”

June 13, 2022 – The Iloilo Science and Technology University hosted the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC) VI for the orientation on DBM-CHED joint circular No. 01, series of 2022 regarding the guidelines for the implementation of the 8^th evaluation cycle of the National Budget Circular (NBC) no. 461, series of 1998.

Representative from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Budget and Management Regional Offices attended the said gathering with the aim to help clarify some gray areas in the guidelines for the NBC 461 8^th evaluation cycle implementation.

Sixty (60) delegates from the different state universities and institutions in the region attended the said gathering. Dr. Bobby Gerado, President of NISU, Dr. Emily Arangote, President of ASU, Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISCOF, Dr. Editha C. Alfon, President of CAPSU and Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., President of UA were among the University Presidents who attended the said meeting.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the ISAT U President and also the chair of the RASUC VI, Inc. welcomed the delegates during the orientation proper and he discussed the guidelines for the Implementation of the 8^th evaluation cycle.

Mr. Ned P. Cababasay, ISAT U’s MIS Director and Director for the WV NBC 461 Zonal Computerization Center discussed the Common Criteria Evaluation (CCE) and Qualitative Contribution Evaluation (QCE) guidelines. He also answered some concerns during the open forum.

The said cycle evaluation period will cover July 1, 2016 to July 30, 2019.

May 24, 2022 marks the significant event as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) turns over the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) facility to Iloilo Science and Technology University. This momentous event was graced by the presence of DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena, DOST-PTRI Director Celia Ilumba and DOST VI Director Rowen Gelonga.

Notably, RYPIC is the first micro-scale yarn spinning facility established outside the National Capital Region. Its main objective is to provide technical support to micro-small-medium scale enterprises who are involved in garments industry and share to them technical know-how on the development and production of natural textile-fiber based yarn. Also, it aims to boost tourism in the municipality of Miagao. This was conceptualized in 2016 as a fruit of collaboration between ISAT U and DOST.

In his speech, Dr. Muyong, ISAT U President expressed his appreciation to the action of DOST to formally entrust the facility to ISAT University. “DOST and ISAT U achieved so much success in this partnership and that is because we have a clear shared purpose, well-defined roles, and effectively structure the partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary dela Pena emphasized the importance of science and technology to revive the native weaving industry for the economic development in the region.

Present also during the turnover ceremony are Dr. Ricmar Aquino, President of Isabela State University, Ms. Noreen Marian Bautista of Panublix, Hon. Macario Napulan, Mayor of the municipality of Miagao, Miagao Mayor-Elect Oscar Garin, Jr., DTI  6 Regional Director Rebecca Rascon, PCCI Iloilo Gov  Jobert Penaflorida and RYPIC Brand Ambassador Vanessa Caro.

-Nino Legaspi I PICO, ISAT U Miagao Campus

April 25, 2022 -The university opened its gate and welcomed over a hundred students from the different colleges during the F2F classes kick-off flag ceremony after many months of shifting to online classes.

 “It’s been more than two years since the fateful day when we sent you home in March 2020 because of the COVD-19 pandemic. And it hasn’t been the same ever since. More than two years of flexible learning, online classes and using of our virtual learning environment. I am so excited and delighted today to welcome you all, our faculty and students back in the University”, Dr. Muyong, the University president said during his welcome message.

The students, faculty and staff gathered at the covered gym for the flag ceremony and kick-off activities on the said date. Select students and faculty members showcased their dance prowess once again during the intermission number organized by the Student Republic officers.

Dr. Muyong constantly reminded the students to be diligent in their studies and be serious in the performance of their duties and responsibilities while they are in school.

“While you are here in the university, focus on what you are learning because it has been said that neither intelligence nor talent ensures your success in school. Focus, concentration and perseverance are essential for you to succeed.”

VPs and other university key officials were also present during the said kick-off ceremony.

April 18 & 19 – The Human Resource Management Office facilitated a two-day training workshop entitled “Skills Enhancement and Employee Development” with the aim to help the University stay more competitive by reducing skill gaps and increase contentment and satisfaction at work and highly-motivated translated into performance and morale.

One hundred select employees from the different campuses and offices participated in the said 2-day event held at Punta Villa Resort and Convention Center, Arevalo Iloilo City. Different topics such as Understanding Work Values and Communication Etiquette, Personality Traits in the Workplace, among others were discussed and the participants learned how to write, communicate well and dress appropriately in their respective workplaces.

Resource persons from the different fields of expertise were invited to discuss things and helped the employees better understand their significance in the current position they are called to serve.

During the president’s time, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the university president encouraged all employees to work diligently and with integrity in their respective posts.

“Your job performance speaks of yourself. All of you are encouraged be efficient and effective in delivering work and service to our clients” Dr. Muyong stated.

The Human Resource Management Office of the university is a recipient of the PRIME – HRM award of the Civil Service Commission.