The Doctor of Education students of the ISAT U College of Education Graduate School conducted a Study Visit in Luzon on June 13 to 15, 2023.  They were accompanied by ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, their professor in the course Global Trends and Issues in Education, in the multidisciplinary discussions with the administrators of Philippine Normal University (PNU), National Teachers College (NTC), Bulacan State University (BulSU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS) and the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), respectively.

The first day of the Study Visit was on June 13, 2023 at PNU and NTC. There were enriching exchanges during the discussion on education megatrends, issues in the Philippine basic education and higher education, curriculum innovation, and management of educational institutions among others. On one hand, PNU is the National Center for Teacher Education in the country, and the Doctor of Education students were given the opportunity to learn more about their educational and research frameworks, which are being used to prepare the university to be future-ready.  On the other hand, NTC is a private, non-sectarian educational institution located in Quiapo, Manila. The college has been preparing teachers for over 50 years and is one of the country’s pioneers in higher education training. In fact, ISAT U faculty members were recipients of the Flexible Learning Modalities training championed by NTC at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together with Dr. Muyong, the Doctor of Education students visited Bulacan State University (BulSU) on June 14, 2023 – the second day of their study visit. Bulacan State University (BulSU) prides itself with its state-of-the-art library, which houses various book collections, audio-visual rooms, an amphitheater, a cafeteria, student and faculty lounges, individual and group study rooms, and meeting rooms among others. Furthermore, the ISAT U doctorate students learned BulSU’s student policy programs, internal quality assurance, testing and evaluation, OBE framework, Small Private Online Courses (SPOC), and its Conceive, Design, Implementation, and Operation (CDIO) framework.

The three-day Study Visit was capped with discussions on best practices, library resources, technology integration in instruction, educational trends both national and international, issues on quality assurance, revisiting of the curricula and its continuous development, retention policies, and internationalization of education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS) and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), respectively. PUP OUS is an institutional cohort of ISAT U and is advocating lifelong learning for adults from all walks of life. Micro-credentials in a variety of fields are available to almost everyone seeking growth and development through higher education.  Moreover, TUP is a state university founded in 1901 as the Manila Trade School and has later evolved into a technical vocational school.  The university is known for its strong emphasis on practical and hands-on learning, with state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories for research and development.

The Study Visit led by Dr. Muyong ended, but the experiences and knowledge gained by his Doctor of Education students left an indelible mark as they continue teaching, touching, and transforming lives the Tradean way.

Photos and write-up by:

By Jieza J. Napone, LPT

To hone the capabilities of every student-researcher through research skills development, ISAT U Miagao Campus through the Office of Research Services Department hosted a Research Colloquium 2023, the 1st Intercampus Research Paper and Poster Presentation Competition, with the theme “Empowering Student Research Excellence and Innovation Amidst Challenges” as part of ISAT U 8th Charter Anniversary on May 16, 2023.

The Research Colloquium was participated in by ISAT U research teams from different campuses, namely: ISAT U College of Education (COE), ISAT U College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), ISAT U College of Industrial Technology (CIT), ISAT U College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), ISAT U Leon Campus, ISAT U Barotac Nuevo Campus, ISAT U Dumangas Campus, and ISAT U Miagao Campus.

Providing a platform for researchers to present their innovative studies, the colloquium featured two categories, Education and Technology. ISAT U College of Arts and Sciences emerged victorious, winning the Best Research Paper Award in both the Education and Technology categories with the titles, “Enhanced Information Retrieval Using Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) and Cosine Technology,” in Education and “Type-II Diabetes Risk Detection Using Gradient Boosting Algorithm” in Technology category.

Kent Rod Demasu-ay, from the said department was recognized as the Best Presenter in the Education category. Francis Jules Espartero from the College of Industrial Technology was declared as the Best Presenter in the Technology category.

ISAT U MC, meanwhile, demonstrated their research capabilities by earning the 2nd Place for Best Research Paper Award in Education category with the title “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Becoming and Being a Student Leader During COVID-19 Pandemic” and 3rd Place in Technology category with the title “Development of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Leaf Sheet Eco Bag.” They were also recognized for their poster presentation, winning the Best Poster Presentation in the Education Category with Laliene Trasga as the Best Presenter.

This activity gave the student researchers a unique chance to share their work and engage in conversation and discussion with peers and panelists. This is essential for knowledge expansion, intellectual exchange, and promotion of scholarly connections with other researchers.

Written by: Niňo Legaspi, PICO Coordinator Miagao Campus

Iloilo Science and Technology University Dumangas Campus hosted the Mangrove Planting and Coastal Clean-up Activities as part of the 8th Charter Anniversary on May 17, 2023.

These social and environmental activities were spearheaded by the Campus, along with the series of activities conducted by other campuses of ISAT U during the weeklong Charter Anniversary celebration.

The event was held at the Coastal Road of Barangay Dacutan, Dumangas, Iloilo and was participated in by the five campuses. It was made possible through the cooperation of Dumangas Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

In her message, Environmental Officer Dr. Liane D. Defiño emphasized that mangroves can store for up to 10 times more carbon than land ecosystems. She mentioned that it can protect the coastlines and restore biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

“With your support and cooperation, we can prevent soil erosions and restore our mangrove forests to protect the vulnerable communities from the rising sea levels and storm surges,” Dr. Defiño added.

Mr. Richardson Medina of the ZSL also oriented the more than 200 participants on the proper ways of handling and planting the seedlings.

More than 300 seedlings of Pagatpat Tree were planted. These trees will protect the Municipality from possible storm surges, especially in its coastal areas in the future.

Along with the Mangrove Planting activity, a Clean-Up Drive was also done along the coastal areas of the barangay.

Written by: Dr. Lowell De La Torre – PICO Coordinator, Dumangas Campus

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) broke through the Western Visayas University Rankings grabbing the 4^th spot overall in the 2023 edition of UniRank’s assessment.

UniRank is a global ranking system of universities and colleges based on web presence, popularity in terms of estimated traffic, domain trust, authority, and quality link to popularity.

According to its website, the selection of recognized private and public higher education institutions (HEI) is based on the following criteria: chartered, licensed, or accredited by the appropriate Philippine higher education-related organization, offering at least four-year undergraduate degrees or postgraduate degrees, and delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, face-to-face, non-distance education format.

Compared to other ranking systems, UniRank does not require universities and colleges to submit their data to influence their rankings. Instead, the system relies on valid, unbiased, and non-influenceable web metrics from independent web intelligence sources.

The University is 77^th in the national ranking and 4^th in the region. This is a big departure from its performance from the previous years where it was not able to enter the winning circle in Western Visayas.

Other Universities from Western Visayas which are also in the national rankings include UP Visayas (34^th), CPU (35^th), WVSU (74^th), University of St. La Salle (85^th), John B. Lacson (89^th), Aklan State University (97^th), University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos (112^th), University of San Agustin (126^th), University of Iloilo (139^th), and Capiz State University (167^th) among others.

The strong showing of the University can be attributed to the clear direction of the administration and the collaborative efforts of the different units and other stakeholders in providing good content, improved branding, and consistency in maintaining the website and other official social media accounts of the University.

College of Industrial Technology, Fashion and Wellness Department staged its annual Fashion Update highlighting recalibrated environmental conscious designs of the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising students.

The two-day activity kicked off on May 13, 2023 showcasing to the public the students’ innovative creations with the touch of Science and Technology.  It has been a time of enhancement, providing supplemental and intensive training after the pandemic affected students’ in-person classes as they have been forced to embrace and pivot amidst incredible hardship.

More than 200-piece collection was successfully made by 47 student designers with incorporated new methods which includes experimenting natural dyes, such as flowers, mud, coconut milk, banana stalk and natural mordant. Also, creating new crochet patterns and improvised hand-made embellishments.

Capping the event is the Gala edition, the competition proper on May 14, 2023 with 20 student designers showcasing their exclusively sustainable and elegant creations.

Lemar John Tagay bagged the grand prize, with the winning collection inspired by the local farmers as they go home toiling the rice field. Tagay crafted the ensemble in Iloilo handloom textile hablon in patadyong pattern of ecru and mocca and pineapple textile in nude color. Pieces included well-tailored suits as well. The said materials were used aiming for sustainable fashion.

Fashion Update is an annual runway research presentation of BSFDM students, spearheaded by the Fashion and Wellness Department, College of Industrial Technology, ISAT University.

The FWD has been committed to providing high quality education so students would be at par with other fashion designers in a diverse and highly skilled fashion industry.

Written by: Tiffany Anne L. Tan I Faculty, Fashion and Wellness Department

May 15, 2023 – The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) spearheaded the hosting of a testimonial program in honor of Engr. Joshua Aniken G. Acusta, Rank 1 in the recent Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination and Engr. Dante John S. Robles, Rank 4 in the Electronics Technicians Licensure Examination and other passers.

In his video message, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III congratulated the topnotchers and all the passers, including their proud parents. He also commended the entire ISAT U community, the faculty members and most especially the leadership of University President Dr. Raul F. Muyong.

“On behalf of the Commission, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of ISAT U and our deserving topnotchers and passers. I congratulate the leadership of President Raul Muyong, all the brilliant faculty members and administrators of ISAT U for continuously putting ISAT U on the map as far as success and achievement in our licensure tests are concerned,” said Chair De Vera.

“To our new ISAT U topnotchers today, I am equally happy because this momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. It also shows the brilliance of ISAT U as a leading engineering school not just in Region 6 but now is slowly throughout the whole country,” he added.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also sent his congratulatory video message to the entire ISAT U community, topnotchers and passers. He also challenged not just the topnotchers but all the passers to excel not just in their chosen careers but also in becoming an inspiration to others through the values they have learned from the institution.

“Once again, you have proven that ISAT University is a center of excellence with topnotchers in the recent Electronics Engineers and Electronics Technician Licensure Examination. We cannot deny the fact that the institution has prepared you to become globally competent professionals,” Mayor Treñas said.

“May you become an inspiration to other people not only in striving to excel in your chosen careers but also in making a difference in the lives of others through the values that you have learned from your ISAT U professors. I am immensely proud of your achievements as an academic institution. The hard work and perseverance of your professors are highly commendable. Congratulations to everyone!” he added.

CHEDRO VI Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. and DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga were present during the said gathering and gave their congratulatory messages to the topnotchers and all the passers.

Other members of the Board of Regents present during the event were Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto, Hon. Arecio A. Casing Jr., Hon. Samuel G. Arsulo and Hon. Erafil Joy A. Cabangal.

VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Gabriel N. Salistre Jr., VP for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Corazon P. Corbal and VP for External Affairs Dr. Nemia H. Mabacquaio together with the deans from different colleges were also present during the said gathering.

Engr. Joshua Aniken G. Acusta, being the Rank 1, received a cash incentive amounting to One Hundred Thousand Pesos, a gift certificate from Hon. Allen Son Tan and cash gifts from Dr. Raul F. Muyong and from his department.

Engr. Dante John S. Robles, being the Rank 4, also received a cash incentive amounting to Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos, a gift certificate from Hon. Allen Son Tan and cash gifts from Dr. Raul F. Muyong and from his department.

During their message of response, the two topnotchers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the administration, especially to President Raul F. Muyong for hosting a testimonial program to recognize the achievements they have brought to the University. Their classmates, friends and family members were also invited to join the said gathering.

Iloilo Science and Technology University celebrated its 8th Charter Anniversary with the theme, Breakthroughs and Transformation: A Celebration. The weeklong festivity started with a caravan within the city area last May 14, featuring all the topnotchers across the system.

The theme, Breakthroughs and Transformation: A Celebration, was chosen to highlight and give emphasis all the achievements and blessings the University has achieved for eight years that is worthy to be celebrated.

All the breakthroughs and transformations are a clear manifestation that the administration is doing its best to deliver quality education and services to all its stakeholders.

A thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Joaper G. Geraneo, Vice Chancellor and the Secretary to the Archbishop of Jaro, commenced after the simultaneous Zumba activity.

During his homily, Fr. Geraneo highlighted that God works through everyone, and we are differently gifted and that we compliment each.

“The school has been honored through the many wonderful, bright, and talented products. Added to that is the strong sense of cooperation of everyone,” shared by Fr. Geraneo.

After the thanksgiving mass, the blessing of the University Library, L-Building, and the unveiling of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars followed.

During the opening program, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. expressed that ISAT U has undergone remarkable changes, developments, and achievements that have propelled everyone towards greater heights.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also take this opportunity to recognize the breakthroughs and transformations that have taken place within our institution and reflect upon how far we have come,” said Dr. Salistre.

“The history of the Iloilo Science and Technology University is one that is rooted on innovation, excellence, and progress. Since our establishment in 1905 as an elementary trade school, ISAT U has grown to become a leading institution of higher learning, research, and development in the region,” he added.

University President Dr. Raul F. Muyong declared the opening of the Charter Week with high spirit, encouraging everyone to participate in the different activities for the week-long celebration.

Mr. Jay Treñas, representing the City Mayor Hon. Jerry P. Treñas also graced the gathering. He expressed how the city government appreciates the achievements of the University over the years.

Present during the celebration were the Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Nemia H. Mabacquiao and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Corazon P. Corbal.