Amidst uncertainties: What it takes to dream!

 

When the rest of the world was sleeping, uncertainty came to wreak havoc – a global pandemic, spreading like wildfire. The virus lured the globe and decayed a plethora of lives that left almost everyone feeling helpless and hopeless. Everyone was brought to their knees in a single sweep, except for the stout-hearted individuals. Ivan Omar Lusterio Nobleza, Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT), was among them who persevered in reaching his goal patiently towards becoming a licensed professional teacher.

“I made every second count while studying and getting ready for the licensure examination despite the fact that the pandemic had challenged us in terms of how we were going to continue learning,” Ivan said in an interview.

He emphasized the significance of tenacity in the face of adversity. With the ongoing global pandemic, most establishments, especially schools were closed for protocol concerns, but he continued his steps toward his goal, which he accomplished excellently.

Ivan started getting ready for the examination in March 2020. He utilized reviewers at hand and that of the Professional Career Center of Excellence, Co. (PCCE), led by Mrs. Ruby, offering him free review sessions.

Three months before the examination, he temporarily left his office clerk job and continued studying at the public library daily. He studied independently during weekdays and attended review sessions on weekends.

Last December 16, 2022, the results were publicly published, 56 working days after the licensure exam. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that 49,783 students (54.43%) passed the Elementary Level, while 71,080 students (50.94%) made it in the Secondary Level.

“The triumph of passing the board exam is a doorway that I have unlocked, and patience and perseverance are the keys. No matter what course a student is studying, patience and perseverance are constant points of contention. If you lack patience and persistence, you will not be able to accomplish anything,” he added.

Ivan Omar L. Nobleza of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) passed the October 2022 Licensure Examination for Teachers (Elementary Level) and ranked 10th overall with an examination rating of 92.60%. Overall, ISAT U achieved a national passing rate of 89.47% for elementary and 62.63% for secondary.

Given in different testing centers nationwide, the LET is taken by education graduates twice a year, usually in March and September. Successful test-takers will be eligible to practice their profession and obtain a teaching license.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Nobleza, along with the rest of the LET passers has once again stood as a testimony that the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) College of Education (COE) is, indeed, a Center of Development (COD) for Teacher Education. As his name reflects, IVAN, truly is Idealistic, Valiant, Austere, and Notable.

IDEALISTIC AND GADABOUT STUDENT

“As a student, I find delight in attending school. Since I am mindful of my duties as a student, I am able to both enjoy learning and fulfill my responsibilities.”

Ivan finished his elementary in Jose Gonzaga Elementary School, Bacolod City. He graduated high school in Negros Occidental High School. In 2004, he enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering program at Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, yet he ceased attending school because of financial challenges. He then enrolled in a private college in Manila to study Computer Science while supporting himself by working other part-time jobs besides janitorial before deciding to pursue Education, which was his dream career.

He tried his luck in Iloilo City, determined to graduate and pursue his ideal profession. In 2016, he enrolled in the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) at ISAT U. His sister provided financial support for him during his first and second years, but by the third year, when ISAT U started offering free tuition and fees, he was very happy because he was able to sustain himself until he could graduate.

He excelled as a leader whilst in college. In his first year, he served as their section’s vice president. After gaining vice presidential experience, he contributed to the advancement of his Council and was subsequently elected vice president of the BEEd Council. Later, in his third year, he was elected as the Educators’ Guild secretary, and in his fourth year, he was voted as the Educators’ Guild vice governor.

VALIANT SON

“They say that the youngest sibling is favored, but in my case, I carry with me myriad responsibilities.”

Of the six siblings, Ivan was the youngest. Even though he lacked a stable job back then, he managed to help his family. He is really understanding and helpful. He is aware of his responsibilities and offers his time to compensate for those things that he cannot provide, financially.

AUSTERE STUDENT ASSISTANT

“I enjoy working, and I believe that working as a student assistant has taught me a lot. Managing school and work developed me towards transcendence.”

He was working as a student assistant at the Pedagogy Department of the College during his spare time, making up the four hours that a student assistant is required to render. He was a diligent, responsible, and methodical student assistant. Ivan used his workload as an opportunity to develop skills that he could use in his everyday life rather than as stressors.

NOTABLE FRIEND

“True friends make life more enjoyable. I can give my buddies my time just like I do for my family.” Others first perceived him as snooty and acrimonious, despite the fact that they were familiar with his upbeat personality. He is the kind of friend who makes jokes and shares lores. He always makes a sincere effort to support his colleagues. He gives off his time and part of himself to help his friends as he would his family.

IVAN: HENCEFORWARD

“I want to work toward becoming a teacher, in the real sense of the word, who can make a difference for the students, the institution, and society. I don’t just want to be a teacher whose teachings are confined to a classroom. I want to actively teach others how to improve what needs to be improved. I should be able to resolve the issues that should be resolved in terms of education since that is what the teacher’s role should be – a teacher who can have an impact on the students’ life,” Ivan said during the interview.

With experience, determination, and discipline, he was able to accomplish his dream and succeed with flying colors in the teachers’ licensure exam.

Truly, dreams were put on hold when the world was slapped awake and crippled by the global pandemic. But for Ivan Omar L. Nobleza, a LET topnotcher and a now Licensed Professional Teacher, education brewed with patience and perseverance is an ambrosia toward success. | Ritsdon Hijastro

 

ISAT U grads top 2023 board exams

Joshua Aniken Garcia Acusta, ranked no. 1 and Dante John Sudario Robles, ranked no. 4 in the Electronics Engineering and Electronics Technician board exams respectively based on the results released by the PRC on Wednesday, April 26.

Engr. Acusta and Engr. Robles belong to the graduates of batch 2022. Both are outstanding performers in their academics and are also champion chess players.

In an interview, Engr. Acusta revealed that  he was not expecting to be the Top 1 although there are a lot of people telling him that he has the potential.

“I was not really expecting it. However, some people including my professors in college were telling me otherwise. Giving you pressure in a good way.”

Engr. Robles on the other hand revealed that they followed certain ‘superstitions’ when they took the exams.

“We just laughed about it but before taking the exams, we also  observed using something red and even had our p

encil sharpened by a previous topnotcher”, he said.

Both topnotchers will receive cash incentives from the University with Engr. Acusta getting 100k and 25k for Engr. Robles. A testimonial dinner will also be conducted in their honor and the other passers of the licensure exams.

CHED Chair Popoy De Vera commended this feat of the University in his Facebook post.

“After last months testimonial dinner for the 48/48 passing and #4 in the mechanical engineering exam, eto naman #1 sa electronics engineering exam ang ISATU! Congratulations President Raul Muyong and the faculty of ISATU for your mentorship! Testimonial dinner na ulit!”

For his part, ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong attributes this success to a number of factors. He said, “This is a culmination of   a number of things. A stringent selection process in our admission, hiring of quality faculty members, and the provision of an enabling environment in the University where opportunity like this could grow and prosper.”

In less than a year from June 2022, the University was able to produce the following topnotchers from various licensure exams:

Rank 1 – Architect Licensure Examination

Rank 1 – Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination

Rank 4 – Licensure Examination for Mechanical Engineers

Rank 4 – Electronics Technician Licensure Exams

Rank 7 – Agriculturist Licensure Exams

Rank 10 – Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers

ISAT U hosts Testimonial Dinner for new Mechanical Engineers, Topnotcher

The University hosted a Testimonial Dinner in honor of Engr. Nikko Perez Martirizar, Rank 4 and passers of the February 2023 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Exams on April 14 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Engr. Martirizar is the 4th Topnotcher produced by the University after a string of exemplary performances from Ar. Ofianga (Rank 1), Orr (Rank 7), and Nobleza (Rank 10) in Architect, Agriculturist, and Professional Teachers board exams respectively.

The ISAT U new Mechanical Engineers also registered a 44/44 or 100% passing rate for first time takers which gave t

he University a distinction as the TOP 2 Performing School in the entire country.

“We are happy for the achievement of Engr. Martirizar. We commend our faculty members from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) and personnel for putting us on the map once again through this performance,” according to Dr. Muyong.

CHED Chair Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III emphasized the role of the faculty members and the entire organization in producing topnotchers. Chair Popoy is one of the attendees together with CHED VI Regional Director  Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, and other members of the Board of Regents of the University.

Engr. Martirizar received a monetary incentive of 25K and other cash and non – cash incentives from Dr. Muyong, CHED Chair Popoy, and members of the board.

ISAT U participates in the IFEP in CU India

Four faculty members from the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) have returned from Chandigarh University (CU) in India, where they participated as resource speakers in the International Faculty Exchange Program (IFEP). The program aimed to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two universities.

The ISAT U faculty members who participated in the program on April 9 to 21, 2023 were Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. – Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Ramil G. Lumauag – ISAT U Dumangas Campus Administrator; Dr. Richard C. De Leon – Director, Research Services Division; and Dr. Renerio S. Mucas – Senior Researcher. During their stay at Chandigarh University, India, the faculty members shared their expertise in various fields, including research, engineering, and information technology. They also had the opportunity to learn about Indian culture and higher education practices in the region.

The International Faculty Exchange Program is a collaboration between Chandigarh University, ISAT U, and many more international cohorts around the world that sent delegations to share their time and expertise with the CU stakeholders. This mobility program is part of ISAT U’s efforts to enhance its internationalization agenda and promote academic excellence through collaboration with other institutions around the world.

 

 

– Jieza J. Napone, LPT

ISAT U conducts Student-Administration dialogue

April 24, 2023 – Iloilo Science and Technology University through the Student Republic organized a student-administration dialogue. Select student leaders and representatives from the different colleges were invited to attend the said forum.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Raul F. Muyong stated that the main purpose of the activity is for the students not only to vent out their concerns and issues but also to listen to the best practices they have experienced in the duration of their stay in the university.

“I would like to commend the Student Republic for organizing this forum and always remember you students are the most important stakeholder of this Institution and we want to hear from you. We will do our best to listen and address your concerns but please do not just speak out your issues and concerns. We also would like to listen to the best practices that we are practicing here in our academe,” expressed Dr. Muyong.

The students complained mainly about the unbearable weather condition they are experiencing inside the classroom with heat index reaching as high as 43 degrees Celsius.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., the VP for Administration and Finance gave assurance that there will be water dispensers to be installed in the different strategic locations inside the University as soon as the purchasing process is completed. The water will be free for all students for as long as they have their own tumblers.

Other concerns raised were the late submission of grades, dysfunctional locks of the comfort rooms, cafeteria schedule and possibility of opening a new cafeteria in the new site.

Mr. Rhyin Vincent Amalay, Chair, Student Discipline Committee served as the moderator of the consultation.

 

ISAT U gets 3-Star rating from 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds

Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Ratings, most popularly known as QS Stars, is a rating system that delivers a thorough insight into an academic institution, enabling students, staff, and faculty to classify which universities are the best globally.

True to its vision as the “leading Science and Technology University in Southeast Asia by 2030”, and with the full support of the Commission on Higher Education and CHED International Affairs Service, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) pursued the QS Stars Ratings and submitted all documents for audit in October 2022.

In order for ISAT U to get audited by the QS Stars Ratings Evaluation Committee, the University first had to create a core group that needed to oversee the data gathering and validating processes. It was a concerted effort from various offices and colleges in the university system. Of course, the ISAT U QS Stars Ratings team would not have made it through the daunting journey had it not been for the full support of the Commission on Higher Education led by Chair Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III and the CHED International Affairs Service led by Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla. Gratitude also goes out to Dr. Christine N. Ferrer of Tarlac Agricultural University for her guidance.

The QS Stars Ratings system allows institutions to identify and improve on their areas of weakness, providing detailed assessments under each criterion. ISAT U has chosen the following criteria for audit: (1) Core Criteria – Teaching, Employability, and Internationalization; (2) Learning Environment – Online Learning, (3) Specialist Criteria – Program Strength, and (4) Advanced Criteria – Inclusiveness and Social Responsibility.

Under QS Stars, the institutions that display exceptional performance and quality standards are awarded a 5 Star rating. ISAT U has been awarded 3-Stars in the overall audit and received the following number of stars in the following individual criteria: 4-Stars for Teaching, 5-Stars for Employability, 1-Star for Internationalization, 5-Stars for Academic Development, 5-Stars for Online Learning, 3-Stars for Program Strength, 5-Stars for Social Responsibility, and 4-Stars in Inclusiveness.

The administration of ISAT U led by Dr. Raul F. Muyong – SUC President III, understands that schools are different from one another and therefore need to be assessed on a range of categories that recognize distinct strengths. So, with the grant coming from the Commission on Higher Education, ISAT U boldly went for the QS Stars audit which allowed the identification of strengths and weaknesses across a variety of areas. Results from the QS Stars Ratings encourage institutions to establish or improve their data collection culture and help them improve their long-term strategy and mission.

Awarded with 3-Stars that align ISAT U in the global roster of universities espousing quality and excellence in education, it is indisputable that this former Trade School has leveled up the playing field for higher education institutions in Western Visayas. Indeed, ISAT U continues teaching, touching, and transforming lives in the Philippines and beyond.

 

(c) Jieza J. Napone, LPT

Partners see progress in Iloilo Ground Receiving Station inaugural

Department of Science and Technology, DOST – ASTI, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Iloilo Science and Technology University and LGU of Dumangas inaugurate the Iloilo Ground Receiving Station on Friday, March 10.

The ground receiving station facility is the only one in Western Visayas and the 3rd of its kind in the entire Philippines. DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga stressed that the GRS is a very important facility as space science technology has a lot of applications particularly on addressing the socio development requirements of the country as a whole.

DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia likened the facility to “a bridge that connects us to the vast expanse of space.” Further showing the potential of the facility to drive science – based decisions on various levels of governance and sectors of the society.

Ground Receiving Stations (GRS) are built to collect and stream remote sensing satellite data to users. These data can be used for research and development activities and disaster risk reduction management among many others.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency also provided resources and expertise in the project. Mr. Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippines Chief Representative underscored the continuous support of their organization in realizing this initiative and in many other projects that sought to improve the lives of the people.

ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong expressed his gratitude to all the partners who made the project possible. “The University is now working on a proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology Program in view of this project. We are also training and conducting benchmarking activities for our people to ensure the sustainability of this laudable endeavor.”

Dumangas Mayor Braeden John Biron and 4th District Board Member Rolly Distura also sang praises to the facility describing it as a step forward not only for the people of Dumangas but for all Filipinos.

The ‘Unveiling of the Inaugural Marker’ followed in the afternoon at the GRS site located at the ISAT U Dumangas Campus. A tour and a short lecture was also given by the personnel of the DOST – ASTI to guests and media partners.

CIT signs MOA with 6th FSSU ASCOM PA

 

Iloilo Science and Technology University College of Industrial Technology signed a memorandum agreement with 6th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) of the Philippine Army on February 28, 2023 at the University’s function room.

In his message, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University President highlighted the importance of building partnership with other government agencies as it was clearly stated in the Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 17 on Partnerships.

“I am very pleased for this mutually beneficial partnership between ISAT U and 6th FSSU ASCOM. Through this partnership we are able to strengthen the existing collaboration we have that could benefit not just our community here in ISAT U but the bigger community we are serving as public

servants. Rest assured of our continued support for whatever endeavors you have in  the Philippine Army,” said Dr. Muyong.

The partnership involves providing pool of experts to teach the participants the fundamentals of their trade, providing assistance related to the needs of the trainees in the conduct of the trainings and issuing certificates to the participants upon completion of the requirements in terms of training hours and project/outputs of the course offered.

LTC Flordeliza C. Bolhayon – the Commanding Officer, Major Desi Lareen C. Resurreccion – Admin and Personnel Officer, Major Roger A. Mallorca – Operations and Training Officer and Staff Sergeant Neri Joie Soriano – Training-Non-Commission Officer from the Philippine Army were present during the said event. Select faculty members and extension coordinators from CIT together with Dr. Rene L. Celda, the dean also graced the said gathering.

Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, Director of the Extension Services Division recognized and thanked all the attendees during her message.

 

 

 

 

GAD center conducts 3- day training-workshop on gender research

Iloilo Science and Technology University Gender Center facilitated a 3-day training workshop on doing gender research with attendees coming from students of Teacher Education program , BS Community Development, Bachelor in Human Services, and select faculty and staff researchers across the system.

The main objective of the said activity is to enhance the capabilities of faculty and student researchers in doing gender researches and encourage them to explore the gender concerns in the society today.

“We are doing this not because of the mandated laws but because we are into Gender and Development which is clearly stated in the SDG 5 which is Gender Equality. After this three-day training workshop, I look forward to see outcomes not just merely outputs. Outcomes that have an impact in our college, university, community and in the world as a whole. So, let’s work together for the outcomes not just for our own benefit but for the university we are serving” said Dr. Raul F. Muyong during his opening message.

Professor Girlie Nora A. Abrigo and Dr. Mark Oliver S. Llangco both gender research experts from the Social Science Department of UP Los Bańos were the main facilitators and lecturers during the training-workshop held at the ISAT U AVR-N building on February 21-23, 2023.

“We look forward that our student participants will come up with a gender research proposal for their undergraduate theses and as with our faculty researchers present here today, we also look forwards that you will also come up with a gender research proposal with possible extension activities within this year 2023,” expressed Dr. Emily Dela Crus during the closing program.

A total of 370 participants both from the main and external campus attended the training-workshop.

 

 

 

DOST Sec. Solidum says ‘impressive’ to ISAT U research and development initiatives

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. showed appreciation to the research and development projects of ISAT University during his ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Wednesday, February 15.

“We cannot stop in our research organizations or in our university by simply teaching, doing research, and publishing or patenting, but we need to translate our products and services, or ideas into commercialized products and services. And I think, you’re (ISAT U) doing that,” says Solidum.

Sec. Solidum and other DOST top officials were given a tour of the various laboratories of the Research Hub which culminated with brief presentations of the ongoing and completed projects funded by the Department. Around P17, 696,774.40 million went to ongoing researches/ projects and about  P15,262,221.40  million for completed researches coming from the combined grants of DOST – PCIEERD and DOST – PCAARRD.

The University also showcased the first batch of startups and spin offs that were incubated by ISAT U KWADRA – TBI. These start ups and spin offs, mostly focusing on providing science and technology – based innovations and solutions to industries are equivalent to commercialized products and services benefitting industries and communities.

Present during the event were DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, VPRE Carmelo V. Ambut, VPAF Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., VPAA Corazon Corbal, VPEA Nemia Mabaquiao and other top officials of DOST and ISAT U.

 

 

 

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