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.

Tyrone Dave Ejar Espinosa and Crispo Dayaday Mantiquilla carry on with the University’s winning tradition in the prestigious Metrobank Art and Design Excellence 2021(MADE) competition after bagging a special citation in the sculpture and water media on paper categories.

On September 16, Espinosa and Ejar were formally recognized as awardees in the 37^th MADE Virtual Recognition Program. They both received a special citation for their works, a Mula glass trophy designed by 2009 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS) awardee Noell El Farol and P100,000 cash prize. Their names will now be part of the MADE – Network of awardees.

In his interviews, Espinosa’s work ‘Nakakabinging Katahimikan’ is about depression and the challenge to wake up to reality. Mantiquilla’s piece’21:11’ on the other hand is a recognition of eminence and power.

“I begun thinking about the concept right after the explosion of Taal volcano. Then there was this pandemic, strong typhoons and other calamities. We should be aware. We need to be prepared. We need to help each other. And we need to recognize God’s power,” said Mantiquilla in a phone interview.

Espinosa is a 2015 Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate while Mantiquilla is 2008 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Major in Drafting Technology. This year’s competition saw the highest number of entries in the last 10 years with 701 entries coming from different parts of the country.

“Foremost, to my alma-mater, I am so very grateful being a product of ISATU,”  shared Espinosa during a phone interview.

In 2017, Ar. Paul John Cabanalan of the College of Engineering and Architecture won grand prize in the Oil/ Acrylic category with his work “Genesis”. In 2018, Ar. Noel Magallanes Elicana and Mr. Alex Pampag Ordoyo bested other contestants in the Oil/ Acrylic and Water Media Media on Paper categories respectively when they were hailed as grand prize winners. In the same year, Mr. Rolan F. Llarena also brought home a special citation in Oil / Canvas category.

Apart from the prizes given by the Metrobank Foundation, these awardees have been featured many times in various local/national print and broadcast media. They were also given the opportunity to hold exhibits to showcase their works and projects.

“We have always been proud of the achievements of our students. It’s a validation of our work here in the University, “according to Dr. Raul F. Muyong.

 

 

Another milestone on internationalization of education has been achieved by Iloilo Science and  Technology University through formalizing its partnership with PANGKEP State Polytechnic of Agriculture (POLIPANGKEP), Indonesia. The memorandum of understanding was signed by both institutions during the Commencement Exercises of POLIPANGKEP via Zoom video conferencing application and was broadcasted via Facebook Live on October 16, 2021 in the morning.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President, and

Dr. IR. Darmawan, Director of PANGKEP

State Polytechnic of Agriculture, each delivered their message of commitment during the brief MOU Signing program. Dr. Muyong in his message emphasized that ISAT U’s partnership with POL

IPANGKEP “does not only aim at sharing knowledge and expertise, and provide avenues for growth and development, it is also an opportunity for appreciation of values and uniqueness amidst cultural diversity”.

The graduates of POLIPANGKEP, faculty and guests witnessed the online event with Ms. Gusni Sudhanti, POLIPANGKEP Coordinator of Collaboration and the representatives from the ISAT U External Affairs Office lead by the Vice President for External Affairs, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao and Dr. Juniffer B. Badoles, National and International Affairs Director. The brief program ended with the closing message delivered by Dr. Nur Rahmawaty Arma, POLIPANGKEP’s Vice Director for Student Affairs and Collaboration who congratulated both institutions on the milestone.

 

 

by:  Jieza J. Napone, LPT, MA.Ed.

 

The ISAT University administration conducted several dialogues and orientation with stakeholders through Zoom and Facebook live.

First among the series is a systemwide orientation for first year students held last September 21, 2021. The activity highlighted the services of the offices like the virtual learning environment (VLE),

registrar, library, medical dental and the office of student affairs and services in anticipation of the usual queries and needs of those who are new to the University.

On October 4, 2021, another round of student – administration dialogue was initiated through the office of VP for Academic Affairs and Office of Students Affairs and Services. This is also a systemwide dialogue aimed at soliciting feedback from students and provide the administration the opportunity to address them.

The 3rd round of dialogue was in between the administration and the parents or guardians held last October 6. It was spearheaded by the Parents Affairs and Relations office and was designed to get valuable inputs from the parents on issues affecting them and their students. Most concerns delved on the use of the VLE, projects and requirements of students and availability of scholarships, etc.

On October 8, it was the turn of the faculty members    in the system to discuss matters of concern like schedules in holding synchronous classes, provision of additional communication allowance, and the possible holding of limited face to face classes as mentioned earlier by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Localized orientation programs were also conducted by various offices like the National Service and Training Program (NSTP), Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Graduate Education Program, colleges and campuses.

 

A virtual onboarding activity for the newly – hired faculty members was held on Tuesday, October 12 via Zoom.

These dialogues are viewed as a feedback mechanism to effectively manage individual

and organizational issues and concerns. Some notable initiatives that came out from these dialogues include the construction of the access route (overpass), purchase of the University bus, provision of communication allowance for faculty members and the purchase of electronic gadgets for the students among others.

 

The National Network of Quality Assurance Agencies Inc. (NNQAA, Inc.) doubled on its preparation for the first ever virtual awarding ceremony on September 30, 2021 via Zoom and Facebook live.

Highlighting the activity is the presentation of NNQAA certification for the three institutionally accredited SUCs and accredited programs of various higher education institutions (HEI) in the country.

“An Institutional and program accreditation award manifest the dedication of the HEI for quality and excellence and its continuous desire to be at par with the rest of the world,” according to Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U president and the concurrent president of the NNQAA.

The NNQAA launched their website and Facebook page on the same event to cater to the growing demands of their clients through accessible and user-friendly social media interface. The virtual program also featured the soft opening of the NNQAA office that will serve as the seat of operation of the entire organization.

Dr. Angel Alcala, First CHED Chairman and Founding Chairman of NNQAA, Inc. Board of Trustees served as the guest speaker of the ceremony. Presently, the NNQAA leadership is chaired by Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega.

“Today’s event is not an accident. Today’s event for the first time for NNQAA is a realization of the vision. The 90 SUCs and 4 LUCs will receive for the first-time their awards via Zoom and COVID-19 pandemic did not stop us in recognizing SUCs and LUCs which have been very brave and boulder to face the challenges of the pandemic and today is a day of celebration, renewal of faith and gratitude.” Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, the NNQAA chairman stated during his message.

The virtual spectacle was premiered live @isatuniversitypio Facebook page.