The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has been conferred the Best Performing Information Office for 2025 during the Western Visayas Regional Information Officers Summit held at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, Bacolod City, on December 18, 2025

The award, presented by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), recognizes PICO’s outstanding performance in institutional communication, public information dissemination, and creative initiatives that have strengthened ISAT U’s visibility and engagement across the region.

PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil received the award on behalf of the office. In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Gumaquil expressed gratitude to the PIA and underscored the collective effort behind the achievement.

“This recognition is a win for ISAT U and a validation of the creativity and dedication of the entire PICO family,” Dr. Gumaquil stated.

The accolade affirms ISAT U’s commitment to excellence in public service communication and highlights the university’s role as a leading institution in Western Visayas.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) was honored with the CapDev Accelerator “KINANG” Award during the “Gabi ng Pasasalamat” held at the Manila Hotel on December 10, 2025.

The award, presented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA), recognizes development partners who have significantly contributed to DILG’s organizational goals following a nationwide selection process.

The CapDev Accelerator “KINANG” Award underscores ISAT U’s significant role in advancing local governance excellence in Western Visayas and its alignment with national development goals.

The recognition comes as ISAT U continues to expand its engagement with local government partners, with plans to develop more research and extension initiatives and capacity-building programs that will further strengthen governance practices across the region.

ISAT U currently serves as the Lead Convenor of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC). Under this role, the university spearheaded pioneering research initiatives for DILG’s Decentralization, Local Governance and Reform Advocacy Program, producing two comprehensive research studies covering the entire Western Visayas region.

Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, Director of the Public Information and Communications Office, received the award on behalf of the university. He was accompanied by LGOO VI Medel Espinosa of DILG Region VI.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has proudly secured its place among the nation’s top-performing schools in the September and November 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Elementary Level). With an impressive 92.68% passing rate, ISAT U ranked 6th nationwide, a remarkable achievement that underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and quality teacher education.

This milestone reflects the collective dedication, perseverance, and passion of ISAT U’s teacher education graduates, faculty, and administrators. Their hard work has not only brought honor to the university but also strengthened its reputation as a premier institution for nurturing future educators.

ISAT U’s consistent performance in national licensure examinations highlights the effectiveness of its programs and the university’s unwavering focus on producing competent, compassionate, and innovative teachers. This recognition serves as an inspiration for current students and a reminder of the institution’s vital role in shaping the future of Philippine education.

University officials expressed gratitude to the ISAT U community, especially to the College of Education, emphasizing that this achievement is a shared victory. It demonstrates the synergy between students’ determination, faculty’s guidance, and administrators’ support — all working together to uphold the university’s mission of excellence.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Smart Learning Environment (SLE) team took a significant step toward advancing educational innovation with their visit to the world-leading Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Smart Campus in Singapore on November 21, 2025.

During the visit, the ISAT U delegation gained valuable exposure to NTU’s hyper-interactive learning spacesand itssustainable, digitally connected community. The NTU Smart Campus is globally recognized for integrating cutting-edge technology with education, offering a glimpse into how digital ecosystems can transform teaching and learning.

The experience provided ISAT U’s SLE team with practical knowledge and inspiration to further enhance the university’s own smart learning initiatives. By observing NTU’s advanced facilities, ISAT U aims to refine its strategies in building a moreinnovative, student-centered, and future-ready learning environment.

University officials emphasized that the visit reflects ISAT U’s dedication to staying at the forefront of educational transformation. The collaboration and insights gained from NTU are expected to strengthen ISAT U’s mission of fostering excellence through technology-driven education.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), through its Safety, Security, Environmental & Disaster Mitigation Management Office (SSEDMMO) and Public Information and Communications Office (PICO), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Special Action Force (SAF) 62nd Special Action Company, and the City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (CECU), successfully conducted a two-day seminar titled “Safety and Ready-Building, A Smarter, More Secure Campus Community” on November 26 – 27, 2025 at the Multi -purpose Educational Center and Audio Visual Room – N Building.

The training, held for ISAT U faculty, staff, and students, directly addressed recent security concerns and bomb threats across Iloilo City. It aimed to equip the university community with essential knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively to emergencies, strengthen vigilance, and foster a culture of preparedness.

The seminar was made possible through the joint initiative of ISAT U offices, especially those involve in crisis communication and law enforcement partners. The focus of this activity was security awareness, emergency response protocols, and proactive safety measures. The faculty, staff, and students actively engaged in discussions and drills to enhance readiness.

The university reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with government agencies and security forces to maintain peace and order within its campuses. By empowering its community with knowledge and preparedness, ISAT U strengthens its role as a responsible academic institution committed to holistic development and safety.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) proudly marked its presence on the international stage as students from the Miagao and Leon campuses participated in ASEAN Week 2025held inDa Nang, Vietnam. The event was hosted byFPT University – Da Nang Campus and ran for four days, November 19-22, 2025, celebrating ASEAN identity, unity, and collaboration.

The delegates were Ms. Frelyn B. Lizondato, a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student from ISAT U–Miagao Campus and Mr. Anjelo C. Taño and Mr. Lee Earvin N.Laminares, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science) students from ISAT U–Leon Campus.These student leaders represented ISAT U with pride, joining peers from across Southeast Asia in a vibrant cultural exchange.

The program featured workshops, group activities, and talent showcases highlighting the diverse cultures of ASEAN member countries. Participants engaged in discussions on resilience, collaboration, and cultural appreciation, strengthening bonds across the region.

University officials emphasized that the participation of ISAT U students in ASEAN Week reflects the institution’s dedication to global exposure and intercultural learning. By joining international programs, ISAT U continues to empower its students to become globally competitive and culturally aware leaders.

Iloilo Science and Technology University proudly announces its successful completion of the BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit, reaffirming its commitment to quality management and institutional excellence.

The closing meeting, held earlier today, concluded with a strong recommendation for the continued certification of the University. This milestone underscores ISAT U’s unwavering dedication to upholding international standards in quality assurance, operational efficiency, and service delivery across all its units and offices.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President extends his heartfelt appreciation to the audit team for their professionalism and to the faculty, staff, and stakeholders for their steadfast cooperation throughout the audit process. “This achievement is a testament to the collective effort and discipline of the entire ISAT U community,”

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is a globally recognized benchmark for quality management systems, emphasizing customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and systematic process control. ISAT U’s successful audit outcome reflects its proactive approach to institutional development and its vision of delivering world-class education and services.

As the University continues to grow and innovate, this renewed certification serves as both a validation of past efforts and a motivation to pursue even greater heights in academic and administrative excellence.

In a move to advance robotics and automation in the region, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) officially launched the Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Robotics Technology (SMARTECH) Center, solidifying a strategic partnership with key industry and government stakeholders.

The launch event, held at ISAT U on October 28, 2025, featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ISAT U and its collaborators – the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI (DOST VI), Developers Connect Iloilo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines Western Visayas Chapter.

In his speech, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, expressed his gratitude for this groundbreaking partnership with DOST, DEVCOM Iloilo, PCCI, and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines. Accordiing to him, beyond education, this center aims to transform industries, promote sustainable development, and contribute to the progress of our communities.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension gave an overview of the SMARTECH. He explained that the SMARTECH Center is envisioned as a regional hub for innovation, research, and capacity building in robotics and automation. As part of its commitment, ISAT U will take on four pivotal roles such as delivering of technical training, research support, and capacity building programs in robotics, automation, and related disciplines; opening of the SMARTECH Center as a collaborative space for experimentation, prototyping and research; facilitating knowledge exchange, extension services, and academic-industry linkages to bolster regional robotics development; and integrating robotics and mechatronics into its academic and research programs to nurture future innovators.

The event was graced by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Dr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., and Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut.

With the establishment of the SMARTECH Center, ISAT U aims to be a driving force in cultivating a robust robotics ecosystem in Western Visayas, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.