February 16. 2022 – The University’s Gender Center headed by Ms. Emily A. Dela Cruz launched its one-year Health and Wellness Program for Faculty and Administrative Personnel. This special project is in cooperation with the University’s Human Resource Development Office headed by, Mr. Bonnie S. Arenal.

First topic on the loop is Understanding Aging and Dementia lectured online by Mr. Richthofen C. De Jesus. In his 11-year career as a psychologist, he obtained licenses both as a Psychometrician and Psychologist from the Professional Regulatory Commission; a certification in Dementia Rating from the University of Washington-St. Louis, Missouri; and a Certification in Psychological First Aid from the Johns Hopkins University, Maryland.

This half-day webinar focused mainly on the society’s view of aging, early signs of dementia and how to handle this kind of condition. A short film based on true story was aired also for better understanding of what is happening to an aging person suffering from dementia.

“Many would think that if you age, you can no longer go out often, you are weak and sickly, you are dying, etc. When society talks about aging, they often see it as negative and that’s what we will do today. We will change that perception and I will help you try to understand that aging can be done in a graceful way…” Mr. De Jesus explained during his introduction.

Different questions and clarifications from the attendees

were entertained and answered towards the last part of the webinar.

This very timely topic surfaced because based on the Sex-Disaggregated Data in 2021, The University has an aging population. More than one-third of the faculty (36% of the male and 37% of the female faculty) are 50 years old and above. On the other hand, of the 154 permanent administrative personnel, 50% of the male and 45% of the female administrative personnel are on the same age group.

“Looking into the health and well-being of our employees is a pre-requisite to ensuring effective delivery of services. Employee wellness program provide a number of benefits. Having one, signals that we value our employees’ health and well-being and this can lead to improved employee morale. This will eventually result to reduced absenteeism, lower health care cost and better productivity”, the rationale of the project as explained by Ms. Dela Cruz, Director of GAD Center.

 

A two-day stakeholders’ consultation (parents, students, faculty and staff) was held last January 31 and February 2 via Zoom.

During the consultations, the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) presented the various preparations being made for the eventual holding of the limited face-to-face classes.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University President, discussed the different guidelines mandated by the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for HEIs that plan to hold limited face-to-face classes in their respective areas. He gave emphasis on the scope and coverage of the said implementation and the importance of the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“Only fully vaccinated students of HEIs located in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3 shall be allowed to join the limited face-to-face classes. HEIs shall advise fully vaccinated students with significant comorbidities themselves or living with individuals with similar conditions to consider flexible learning and take face-to-face classes in succeeding semesters,” explained the president.

Dr. Robert S. Jacobo, the university physician, also discussed the different health protocols and guidelines to be implemented once the plan is in place. An open forum immediately followed where questions and clarifications of the stakeholders were properly addressed.

The Crisis Management Committee (CMC) is chaired by Dr. Corazon P. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee is responsible for the compliances and preparations of ISAT U in line with JMC No. 2021 – 001 of the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Health on the Gradual Reopening of Campuses of Higher Education Institutions for Limited Face-to-Face during COVID – 19 Pandemic.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ciasico is the University’s newly designated director of the Office of the Students’ Affairs and Services (OSAS). He was sworn into office by ISAT U President, Dr. Raul F. Muyong along with the four Vice Presidents last January 3, Monday. He will serve as the OSAS director from January until October 2022.

As a true-blooded tradean (since grade school until post graduate studies), Dr. Ciasico envisions to strengthen the area of research involving the students’ services. He looks forward to collaborate with the University Office of External Affairs for the international engagements of students.

“I want to improve the students’ community engagements which was part of the result of my dissertation…” Dr. Ely Ciasico said during an interview.

Prior to his appointment at the main campus, Dr, Ciasico or Sir Ely was with the Miagao Campus for 17 years serving OSAS and he did a lot of research engagements and collaborations back then. Apart from that, he also served at the Bids and Awards Committee office (BAC) for 15 years long years.

“I have been with ISAT University for how many decades now and I can truly claim that I am a true-blooded tradean, tested by times. I am very happy to be part of the main campus family and I look forward to start conceptualizing spiritual and behavioral activities for students which I believe an important aspect of one’s life especially in this challenging times.”

Dr. Ramon N. Emmanuel, Jr., the newly designated Campus Administrator of ISAT U Miagao Campus, took his oath of office before ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong last January 3, 2022.

Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, VP for External Affairs; Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Research and Extension; and members of the local ADCO, faculty and staff, friends and family of the new campus administrator witnessed the ceremony.

In his message, Dr. Muyong challenged the new campus administrator to aim higher and maintain a level of excellence and standards in all curricular programs that will give the campus national and international recognition. He said that it can be done through empowering both the faculty and students to fulfill their academic and professional passions in teaching and learning.

Dr. Muyong also appealed to the faculty and staff to help Dr. Emmanuel. “Support your campus administrator for it is the only way for ISAT U Miagao Campus to grow and develop,” Muyong said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ramon Emmanuel, Jr. in his inaugural speech pledged to continue his vision for ISAT U Miagao Campus to provide a student-centered education and produce highly competent graduates who will eventually become leaders and experts in their fields of specialization.

An alumnus of then Southern Iloilo Polytechnic College (SIPC) and now ISAT U, Dr. Emmanuel has gained experience in the academe for 27 years. Prior to his designation as campus administrator, he served as the program coordinator of the Bachelor of Elementary Education. He is also a professional choreographer, coach and trainer for sports and cultural events.

 

– Nino M. Legaspi // PICO Miagao Campus

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U president and chair of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges VI (RASUC VI), bared COVID 19 initiatives and other ongoing projects in education during the episode 3, ‘Usapang Edukasyon sa New Normal’ of Dagyaw 2021.

As one of the invited speakers, Dr. Muyong presented the various programs of the University that enabled it to thrive despite the many challenges of the new normal. In his report titled, ‘Thriving in the New Normal: The ISAT U Experience’, he mentioned that internet connectivity is one of the most prevalent issues in the shift to flexible leaning modality.

A survey was conducted by the University to properly address the issue. “The University crafted its leaning continuity plan (LCP) which is centered on the use flexible learning, technology and other support mechanisms for our stakeholders,” according to Muyong.

The University now has its own functional Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which is easily accessible to students and faculty members. Provisions for connectivity allowance for teachers, electronic tablets, and pocket wi-fi for students were also made during the initial stages of the LCP implementation.

Dagyaw 2021 is a popular platform sponsored by

the DILG, DBM, and PCOO that brings together local government units, NGAs and CSOs to discuss pressing issues in governance and other social concerns.

During the episode 1, ‘Usapang Mandanas at Budget’, Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, Director of the Public Information and Communications Office of the University was also invited to speak regarding the ‘Roadmap of the Academe in Assisting the LGUs in the Preparation and Implementation of the Full Devolution Transition Plans (DTP)’.

He was again invited in episode 2, ‘Usapang Kalusugan at Ekonomiya’ of Dagyaw 2021 where he served as a moderator.

October 26, 2021 – DOST- PTRI, DOST Region VI and ISAT University officially sealed and formalized its commitment to ensure the sustainability of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) by passing the operational control and management of the facility to the University.

“This day of commitment is indeed another ISAT U milestone worth celebrating. We in ISAT U affirm and celebrate our partnership with DOST-PTRI and DOST VI with gratitude and looks forward to the sustainability of the RYPIC in the years to come, “said Dr. Muyong during his message.

As the new host and overseer of operations, ISAT U will continue the gains of the facility from the previous years particularly to the local weaving community and tourism of Miagao, Iloilo. The agreement is part of the original intent of the MOA which saw the establishment of the first – ever micro – scale yarn spinning facility outside PTRI and the NCR.

“I believe we are mutually committed to this endeavor because it has a great effect on many of our countrymen. It can support Philippine textile, garment and allied industries and in the conduct of DOST-PTRI’s mandate towards applied research and development activities and technology transfer. The University providing expertise in science, engineering and technology for the development of natural dyes and materials as well as for prototyping the loom machines through its four-fold functions of instruction, research, extension and production. It can strengthen the university’s research culture and produce more technologies,” added Dr. Muyong.

The said endeavor will specifically pave the way for education, promotion, preservation and exhibition of Miagao’s heritage – the handloom weaving industry. It will also provide a steady supply of locally sourced fibers that will benefit farmers, producers and businesses.

Present during the event were ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Director Celia B. Elumba of DOST- PTRI, Director Rowen Gelonga of DOST VI, Ms. Noreen Marian Bautista, Panubrix President/ Co-Founder and Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension, both from ISATU.