Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) proudly marked its presence on the international stage as students from the Miagao and Leon campuses participated in ASEAN Week 2025held inDa Nang, Vietnam. The event was hosted byFPT University – Da Nang Campus and ran for four days, November 19-22, 2025, celebrating ASEAN identity, unity, and collaboration.

The delegates were Ms. Frelyn B. Lizondato, a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student from ISAT U–Miagao Campus and Mr. Anjelo C. Taño and Mr. Lee Earvin N.Laminares, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science) students from ISAT U–Leon Campus.These student leaders represented ISAT U with pride, joining peers from across Southeast Asia in a vibrant cultural exchange.

The program featured workshops, group activities, and talent showcases highlighting the diverse cultures of ASEAN member countries. Participants engaged in discussions on resilience, collaboration, and cultural appreciation, strengthening bonds across the region.

University officials emphasized that the participation of ISAT U students in ASEAN Week reflects the institution’s dedication to global exposure and intercultural learning. By joining international programs, ISAT U continues to empower its students to become globally competitive and culturally aware leaders.

Iloilo Science and Technology University proudly announces its successful completion of the BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit, reaffirming its commitment to quality management and institutional excellence.

The closing meeting, held earlier today, concluded with a strong recommendation for the continued certification of the University. This milestone underscores ISAT U’s unwavering dedication to upholding international standards in quality assurance, operational efficiency, and service delivery across all its units and offices.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President extends his heartfelt appreciation to the audit team for their professionalism and to the faculty, staff, and stakeholders for their steadfast cooperation throughout the audit process. “This achievement is a testament to the collective effort and discipline of the entire ISAT U community,”

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is a globally recognized benchmark for quality management systems, emphasizing customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and systematic process control. ISAT U’s successful audit outcome reflects its proactive approach to institutional development and its vision of delivering world-class education and services.

As the University continues to grow and innovate, this renewed certification serves as both a validation of past efforts and a motivation to pursue even greater heights in academic and administrative excellence.

In a move to advance robotics and automation in the region, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) officially launched the Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Robotics Technology (SMARTECH) Center, solidifying a strategic partnership with key industry and government stakeholders.

The launch event, held at ISAT U on October 28, 2025, featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ISAT U and its collaborators – the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI (DOST VI), Developers Connect Iloilo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines Western Visayas Chapter.

In his speech, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, expressed his gratitude for this groundbreaking partnership with DOST, DEVCOM Iloilo, PCCI, and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines. Accordiing to him, beyond education, this center aims to transform industries, promote sustainable development, and contribute to the progress of our communities.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension gave an overview of the SMARTECH. He explained that the SMARTECH Center is envisioned as a regional hub for innovation, research, and capacity building in robotics and automation. As part of its commitment, ISAT U will take on four pivotal roles such as delivering of technical training, research support, and capacity building programs in robotics, automation, and related disciplines; opening of the SMARTECH Center as a collaborative space for experimentation, prototyping and research; facilitating knowledge exchange, extension services, and academic-industry linkages to bolster regional robotics development; and integrating robotics and mechatronics into its academic and research programs to nurture future innovators.

The event was graced by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Dr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., and Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut.

With the establishment of the SMARTECH Center, ISAT U aims to be a driving force in cultivating a robust robotics ecosystem in Western Visayas, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The College of Education proudly hosted a Testimonial Program at Zuri Hotel on October 16, 2025, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its graduates who successfully passed the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

This momentous occasion followed a remarkable milestone for Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), which secured third place nationwide in the school performance rankings, boasting an impressive 96.67% passing rate. The event served not only as a tribute to the new licensed educators but also as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and teacher education.

During the event, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, gave 3 challenges to the new educators – to be excellent in everything they do, to be impactful by inspiring their students and to be compassionate to every learner they meet. He also encouraged them to be teachers of integrity. According to him, the true measure of a teacher is not in words but in actions. “Uphold the noble values of our profession  and carry them proudly wherever life takes you.”

This remarkable performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers filled College of Education Dean Dr. Joel A. Ciriaco with immense pride. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated faculty members, whom he recognized as instrumental in sustainingthe university’s consistent excellence in the licensure exams. Their unwavering commitment to quality education and mentorship continues to shape future educators and uphold ISAT U’s distinguished reputation.

During the program, three exceptional passers took the stage to share their heartfelt journeys toward success in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Their stories of perseverance, dedication, and resilience resonated deeply with the audience—especially as two of them achieved outstanding ratings of 91.20 and the other one with 91.40. Their testimonies served as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of quality education and the unwavering support of the College of Education.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has once again proven its commitment to excellence, earning the distinction of being the 3rd Best Performing Agency in the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) 2024 Agency Performance Review across the Visayas region. The review assesses three (3) key dimensions, namely: financial performance, physical performance, and the timeliness and quality of report submissions.

ISAT U received a score of 4.70 rating out of 5.0 or a Very Satisfactory rating after the university exhibited exemplary financial performance. It was able to achieve a 99.6% and 99.2% rating on obligations and disbursements. The university also attained high budget utilization rates in all its programs and efficiently executed various projects under the Higher Education Program such as Free Higher Education, Tulong Dunong, and Capacity Development on Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight. On top of that, ISAT U was also able to achieve the 14 Performance Indicators and successfully submitted all the reports before the deadline.

The recognition highlights ISAT U’s outstanding achievements in governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery. Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., expressed pride in the university’s accomplishment and thanked everyone for the unwavering commitment to innovation, accountability, and public service.

The DBM’s annual review evaluates government agencies and institutions based on key performance indicators such as budget utilization, transparency, and impact on stakeholders.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded a Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) College of Engineering and Architecture – ICT Room 114, held from September 15 to 18, 2025. The four-day intensive workshop highlighted DOST’s commitment to equipping educators and professionals with advanced technical knowledge in automation and control systems.

The program marked a significant leap in advancing engineering education and training, as participants made use of the newly donated Mozi Workshop equipment, along with a set of industrial automation tools previously turned over in May 2024 by Yalong Intelligent Equipment Group Co., Ltd., in partnership with Liaoning Jianzhu Vocational College. These donations symbolize a sustained global collaboration that modernizes technical education and strengthens local expertise in industrial automation.

Participants included faculty members from ISAT U’s College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), the ISAT U Center for Research, Training, and Development (CTRD) Chair, representatives from ISAT U external campuses in Miag-ao, Barotac Nuevo, and Dumangas, as well as members of the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIERD). Their joint participation underscores the broad collaboration among academic, research, and industry sectors in upgrading technical competencies for education and innovation.

The training sessions were designed not only to enhance the teaching competencies of educators but also to foster the practical integration of PLC systems into academic programs. By bridging theoretical learning with hands-on industrial practices, the initiative reinforces DOST’s vision of developing globally competitive graduates who are well-versed in automation technologies.

Beyond enhancing classroom instruction, the workshop also highlighted the crucial role of research-driven learning and technical upskilling in preparing faculty to align their teaching with the country’s growing demand for industrial automation. The strengthened capacities of ISAT U’s CTRD and partner institutions ensure that the benefits of this training cascade across disciplines and campuses.

The presence of external campus participants further ensured that the reach of automation training extends to students beyond ISAT U’s main campus. This strategic inclusion guarantees that the quality of engineering and technology education remains consistent across the university system, making advanced training accessible even in remote academic settings.

Through this effort, DOST envisions a future-ready Filipino workforce equipped to meet the increasing demand for smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and intelligent systems. More than a skills training program, the initiative reflects DOST’s long-term strategy of elevating the capacities of educators and professionals, ensuring that students across higher education institutions gain access to world-class instruction in automation technologies—an essential foundation for national development in the era of Industry 4.0.

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and heritage, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) marked its 120th founding anniversary with the successful staging of Sine Tanglaw- a Short Film Festival produced by the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO).

Held at the university Multi-purpose Educational Center, on September 10, 2025, the film festival captivated audiences and showcased the artistic brilliance of its students. Sine Tanglaw featured a curated lineup of short films that explored themes ranging from social issues and gender identity to personal triumphs.

Now on its third season, twelve entries met the qualification criteria and subsequently underwent preliminary evaluation through an online judging process. These entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, each a respected authority in their field: Ms. Shey Velasquez – accomplished producer and instructor in film and advertising; Mr. MoshMagbanua – multimedia specialist, filmmaker, and photographer; and Dr. Ricky Abaleňa – esteemed writer and professor of Communication and Public Administration at WVSU.

The spotlight shone brightly on the winners of the minor awards, celebrating excellence in cinematic artistry and performance. Here’s a look at the standout honorees:

Minor Awards Winners

• Best in Cinematography: All the Places We Go
• Best in Film Editing: All the Places We Go
• Best in Script Writing: All the Places We Go
• Best in Musical Scoring: All the Places We Go
• People’s Choice: Kaangtanan sang Handurawan

 Major Individual Honors

• Best Director: Charles Joser Gargaritano
• Best Actor: John Rosewell Duhina
• Best Actress: Izza Kate Tacdoro

Best in Film Poster

• Kaangtanan sang Handurawan
• Sa Lente ni Kalachuchi
• All the Places We Go

Best Short Film Category

• First Place: All the Places We Go by Arki 5A Production (Iloilo City Campus)
• Second Place: Mitsa by Sigrab Production (Miagao Campus)
• Third Place: Philip by Bakbak Production (Barotac Nuevo Campus)

All the winners of the minor awards received a certificate and cash prize while top 3 best films received a trophy and cash prize.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from different campuses with students from engineering, education, and information technology collaborating on film productions. Notably, the festival provided a platform for young storytellers to express their perspectives through visual narratives, blending technical skill with emotional depth. Sine Tanglaw underscored the university’s commitment to holistic education—where science and technology meet the arts and humanities.

As ISAT U steps into its next chapter, the success of Sine Tanglaw stands as a powerful reminder of the university’s enduring legacy and its vision for a future shaped by innovation, culture, and community.

In a strategic move to enhance institutional transparency and effectiveness of the communication system, the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) recently conducted a comprehensive communications audit across all its four campuses and colleges.

This communications audit which started from August 26, 2025, until September 4, 2025, marked a significant step in a meaningful dialogue and systematic evaluation of the various communications needs, branding initiatives, marketing strategies, processes, and personnel. Also, this audit helped identify opportunities for improvement, develop collaborative solutions and strengthen partnerships between central communication services and local operations.

Through focus group discussions, participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding the university’s communication systems. During the discussions, representatives from all colleges and campuses unanimously agreed to submit their respective pool of experts to serve as reference sources for future media interviews. This collaborative move aims to strengthen ISAT U’s public engagement and ensure that subject matter specialists are readily accessible for credible and insightful commentary.

As part of the university’s branding and marketing efforts, the participants also pledged to contribute entries to PICO’s flagship initiative—PICO Tutorials—a program designed to showcase academic expertise and promote institutional excellence through informative content.

In addition, the dialogue opened space for participants to voice their concerns regarding social media governance. Issues surrounding content management, accountability, and digital conduct were raised, highlighting the need for clearer policies and capacity-building to ensure responsible and strategic use of online platforms.

PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, alongside Information Officers Rommel Griffith Habaradas and Jephthah Sustituido, unveiled a new digital innovation—PICO Link. Developed by the Public Information and Communications Office, PICO Link is designed to streamline the online posting of activities and events across ISAT U’s various offices and campuses. This tool empowers departments to share updates and media content efficiently, even in the absence of PICO personnel, ensuring timely and consistent communication throughout the university’s digital platforms. Beyond streamlining online postings, PICO Link will also function as a centralized digital archive for official photos and issuances. This feature ensures that essential documentation is systematically stored and easily retrievable—especially during institutional accreditations and audits. By providing quick access to verified materials, PICO Link reinforces ISAT U’s commitment to transparency, organization, and operational efficiency.

With these collective efforts and innovations, ISAT U continues to build a more connected, responsive, and future-ready academic community. The communications audit not only highlighted areas for improvement but also ignited a shared vision for a stronger, more unified approach to institutional communication.