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.

 

 

September 7, 2021 – The Iloilo Science and Technology University together with the Extension Services Division (ESD) and the College of Education Graduate School signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education Schools Division of Iloilo under its School Heads Academy Program (SHA).

The School Heads Academy Program (SHA) is a one-year distance education scholarship program specifically for the school heads aspirants of the Department Education with the aim to establish a consensual and lawful collaboration between Iloilo Science and Technology University and the Department of Education-Division of Iloilo, ensure resource sharing between  Iloilo Science and Technology University and the Department of Education – Division of Iloilo to achieve the expected outcomes of the program, provide a one-year scholarship to DepEd school heads aspirants who are expected to earn 18 units of courses leading towards the degree Master of Arts in Education with concentration in Educational Management among others.

Present in the MOA signing were Dr. Raul F. Muyong, President of Iloilo Science and Technology University; Mr. Roel F. Bermejo, Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division of Iloilo; Mr. Ferdinand S. Sy, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division of Iloilo; Mr. Adonis A. Mosquera, Officer In-charge to the Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division of Iloilo; Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, ISAT U Director of the Extension Services Division; Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Carbon, ISAT U Director of Instruction; Dr. John Eric V. Juaneza, Dean of the ISAT U College of Education; Dr. Frisian Y. Causing, Program Coordinator of the ISAT U COE Graduate Education Program; Ms. Donabelle D. Niñonuevo, Education Program Specialist II; and Ms. Joneflor V. Bales, Education Program Specialist II.

“The Department of Education has chosen Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) as partner in this pursuit to academically train their school heads since the University has the capacity, resources, facilities, provision, pool of faculty members and academic program, to realize and achieve the main objectives of the SHA program” stated Mr. Adonis A. Mosquera, officer-in-charge to the Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent.

“The partnership of ISAT U and DepEd – Division of Iloilo in the establishment of School Heads Academy (SHA) provides great opportunity for the University to assist DepEd Region VI and the Division of Iloilo in training aspiring qualified public-school teachers to become effective, efficient, and competent school leaders. Through this collaboration, we would be able to strengthen and uplift the capability of all school heads in the region and ultimately produce champion learners” said Dr. Muyong during his message.

 

 

-Jieza Napone, LPT/Babelyn Cabalar, MMCom

 

“Today, ISAT U affirms its commitment to work with BatSU and partner SUCs in the implementation of the MOA for the BRIDGES. We will never waver in our commitment to the MOA and in the development of a strong partnership among the SUCs” said Dr. Muyong in his message during the BRIDGES virtual MOA signing held on July 13, 2021.

The collaborative research undertaking entitled “BRIDGES” or Building Research and Innovation Development Goals for Engineering SUCs is made possible through the efforts and leadership of Batangas State University President and PASUC President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo.

The Virtual MOA Signing Ceremony demonstrates the commitment to collaborate and cooperate in the field of research, education and training, in deciding goals together with other SUCs, in sharing responsibilities, and working together to achieve more than could be achieved by an individual SUC on their own.

ISAT University and the rest of the SUCs responded to the call of collaboration for BRIDGES and are keen to cooperate most especially in the time of technological progress and innovation. The institutional research collaboration aims to bring together SUC researchers with complementary perspectives, interests, skills and knowledge bases to produce new technological knowledge and innovation with physical health, economic and social benefits.

Dr. Gregorio J. Rodis, President, Bataan Peninsula State University, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, President, Caraga State University, Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, President, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, President, Rizal Technological University, Dr. Carla A. Ochotorena, President, Western Mindanao State University and Engr. Albertson D. Amante, BRIDGES Focal Person and BatSU VP for Research and Extension Services were among those present during the said virtual gathering.

“I am confident that our partnership will make a positive contribution to the SUCs’ development through education and training specifically on our students, faculty, our internationalization programs, and local and global rankings” added Dr. Muyong.