Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) hosted a benchmarking visit from West Visayas State University (WVSU) on February 13, to share best practices and strategies in media relations management, institutional content production, and communications operations.

The visiting WVSU delegation, led by Dr. Hazel P. Villa, PAMCO Director, included Ms. Katrina Isabel B. Gadong, Information Officer III; Ms. Jessa Angeli C. Temelo, Information Officer II; Mr. Dan Olsen T. Callosa, Information Officer I; Ms. Wina May B. Dela Cruz, Office Secretary; and Mr. Claude L. Calimlim, Office Staff.

The benchmarking activity was structured around four key components designed to maximize knowledge transfer and institutional learning. The day began with a courtesy call, where the WVSU delegation was received by ISAT University’s Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Russ Allen Napud, representing the Office of the University President, along with personnel from the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO).

Following the courtesy call, the WVSU team participated in a guided tour of ISAT University’s facilities, providing context for understanding the institution’s scale, and communications infrastructure and capabilities.

The centerpiece of the visit was a working meeting and open forum featuring ISAT University’s communication team, who presented their institutional practices and methodologies. Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, PICO Director, spearheaded the presentation and exchange, along with Information Officer III Lucille Jaspe, Information Officer II Jovette Aimee B. Arceta, and Information Officers I Rommel Griffith Habaradas and Jepthah Sustituido.

The discussions focused on three critical operational areas: media relations and management strategies, production of institutional content and marketing materials, and the policies and guidelines governing PICO’s functions, systems, and processes. ISAT University shared its approaches and operational frameworks that have contributed to its institutional communications success.

The benchmarking visit represents a productive day of inter-institutional collaboration, enabling WVSU’s communications team to gain insights into ISAT University’s methodologies and operational systems.

ISAT U – PICO was recently hailed as the Best Performing Information Office during the Western Visayas Information Officer’s Year – end Summit held last December 2025.

To ensure that academic and operational goals are aligned with institutional priorities, the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) conducted its Monitoring, Assessment, and Capability-Building Activity on January 19 to 21, 2026, at Manggadiwa Resort and Spa Hotel.

The three-day activity focused on target setting and alignment, action planning, and performance assessment per program. Faculty members actively participated in evaluating program accomplishments, identifying challenges, and crafting actionable plans to further strengthen instruction, research, and extension initiatives.

The activity also highlighted updates and insights from the Global Forum on Digital Transformation in TVET and the TVET Leadership Workshop, emphasizing innovation, digital readiness, and leadership in technical-vocational education.

Moreover, discussions on research publication trends and updates were also integrated, encouraging faculty members to enhance research productivity and publication engagement.

The activity concluded with a team-building session, fostering collaboration, camaraderie, and renewed commitment among faculty members.

This initiative reaffirms the college’s dedication to continuous improvement, faculty capability building, and the delivery of future-ready education.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) proudly presented its FY 2025 Year-End Performance Presentation and Evaluation, highlighting the institution’s significant accomplishments, assessing outcomes, and charting strengthened directions for the year ahead.

The event underscored ISAT U’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, as the university continues to position itself as a leading science and technology institution in the region.

The Year-End Performance Evaluation highlighted academic excellence with its expansion of degree programs and strengthened accreditation status across multiple colleges; research and innovation increased research outputs, patents, and collaborative projects with local industries and international partners; student development enhanced scholarship opportunities, leadership training, and global exposure through exchange programs; community engagementsustained extension services and partnerships with local government units and organizations to address societal needs; infrastructure and digital transformationupgraded facilities, laboratories, and digital platforms to support modern learning and research.

The evaluation emphasized measurable progress in student performance, faculty development, and institutional efficiency. ISAT U reaffirmed its dedication to aligning outcomes with national education goals and global standards.

Looking ahead, ISAT U outlined strategic priorities such as expanding international collaborations and research networks, strengthening industry linkages to enhance employability and innovation, advancing sustainability initiatives across campus operations and fostering inclusive education and digital transformation.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Got Game Clothing, represented by Mr. Gerald Ganzon, to strengthen collaboration in key areas of student development.

The signing ceremony was held today, January 13, 2026, at the University Board Room, with ISAT U President and other key officials present to witness the milestone agreement.

Under the MOU, the partnership will focus on Student Internship Program (SIP) in providing ISAT U students with hands-on industry experience through structured internships; Extension Activities: supporting community-based initiatives that empower local sectors and promote sustainable development and Scholarship Opportunities: offering financial assistance to deserving students to help them pursue higher education.

University officials emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to support students, empower communities, and create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Mr. Ganzon expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting Got Game Clothing’s dedication to nurturing young talent and contributing to community growth.

This new alliance marks another step forward in ISAT U’s mission to build strong industry linkages and provide students with opportunities that prepare them for future careers while fostering social responsibility.

The second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 officially opened with a system-wide faculty conference organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The event was held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Jade Ballroom of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel and was attended by faculty members from all five campuses of the University.

Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty for their unwavering support and commitment during the previous semester. She emphasized that their dedication and professionalism are deeply valued, noting that “the faculty are the heart of the academic enterprise of the university.”

University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. proudly presented the awards and recognitions received by ISAT U in 2025. He highlighted how the University overcame challenges and successfully implemented policies and programs that strengthened academic excellence, faculty development, and student support. Dr. Salistre also announced the upcoming offering of new academic programs: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Iloilo City Campus–CEA); Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry (Leon Campus); Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (Iloilo City Campus).

These programs have already undergone evaluation by RQAT and NQAT and are completing compliance requirements for submission to CHED. They will be included in admissions for AY 2026–2027. In addition, the Board of Regents has approved the Master of Science in Hospitality Management (Iloilo City Campus–CIT) and the Bachelor of Textile Technology (Miagao Campus), with documents now being prepared for CHED evaluation.

The conference also marked the oath-taking of newly appointed officials: Dr. Catherine A. Yap, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Tracy N. Tacuban, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics; Mr. Eric Jan G. Puga, Director of Financial Management Services, and Dr. Alma Mae S. Torremoro, Director of the Gender and Development Center

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by CHED Regional Office VI Director, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, who provided updates on CHED policies. He announced the Memorandum of Agreement between CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), emphasizing strict compliance: only programs with a complete Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) will be allowed to have graduates take board examinations. He also reminded institutions that requirements for educational trips must be submitted at least one week before the activity. On a lighter note, Dr. Muyong commended ISAT U for its accomplishments, stressing that these achievements reflect the collective effort of faculty, staff, and administrators under the leadership of the University President.

Updates were likewise presented by Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, and Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao. Faculty Regent Dr. Jasper L. Pastrano also shared developments concerning the Faculty Association.

 Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has formally joined Aklan State University (ASU) and key regional partners in signing a Memorandum of Understanding and launching TechNest Aklan, a new Technology Business Incubator supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on December 22, 2025, at Aklan State University.  The event marks a coordinated push to strengthen research, innovation, and tech-driven entrepreneurship across Aklan and neighboring provinces.

TechNest Aklan will provide start-up incubation services, mentoring, prototype development support, access to DOST-funded facilities and grants, and linkages to industry and investors. University students, faculty researchers, and community entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from technical assistance, business development training, and commercialization pathways for innovations in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, health technologies, and digital services.

Representatives of ISAT U, ASU, DOST, local government units, and private-sector collaborators emphasized the regional development potential of the partnership. Organizers said the incubator aims to translate campus research into market-ready solutions, create jobs, and stimulate inclusive economic growth in the Visayas. The MOU formalizes commitments on shared facilities, mentorship networks, intellectual property management, and coordinated outreach to barangay- and municipal-level innovators.

“By combining university research capacity, DOST technical support, and industry linkages, TechNest Aklan will help our inventors and entrepreneurs move faster from idea to impact,” said an ISAT U spokesperson at the launch. ASU officials highlighted the incubator’s role in supporting student entrepreneurship and community-centered technology adoption.

DOST representatives outlined funding streams and technical programs that will back early-stage product development, testing, and commercialization. Planned activities include hackathons, sector-focused acceleration cohorts, maker-space access, and joint faculty-student research projects tied to local value chains such as agri-processing and eco-tourism tech.

Local government units and private partners committed to providing internship placements, pilot sites, and avenues for market testing. Stakeholders noted that sustaining the incubator will depend on robust university-industry collaboration, ongoing DOST support, and active participation from the regional innovation ecosystem.

TechNest Aklan is scheduled to begin intake for its first incubation cohort later this year, with outreach and application details to be released through participating universities and the DOST regional office. Organizers say the initiative is a step toward building a self-sustaining regional innovation hub that leverages academic expertise to meet real community needs.

The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has been conferred the Best Performing Information Office for 2025 during the Western Visayas Regional Information Officers Summit held at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center, Bacolod City, on December 18, 2025

The award, presented by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), recognizes PICO’s outstanding performance in institutional communication, public information dissemination, and creative initiatives that have strengthened ISAT U’s visibility and engagement across the region.

PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil received the award on behalf of the office. In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Gumaquil expressed gratitude to the PIA and underscored the collective effort behind the achievement.

“This recognition is a win for ISAT U and a validation of the creativity and dedication of the entire PICO family,” Dr. Gumaquil stated.

The accolade affirms ISAT U’s commitment to excellence in public service communication and highlights the university’s role as a leading institution in Western Visayas.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) was honored with the CapDev Accelerator “KINANG” Award during the “Gabi ng Pasasalamat” held at the Manila Hotel on December 10, 2025.

The award, presented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy (LGA), recognizes development partners who have significantly contributed to DILG’s organizational goals following a nationwide selection process.

The CapDev Accelerator “KINANG” Award underscores ISAT U’s significant role in advancing local governance excellence in Western Visayas and its alignment with national development goals.

The recognition comes as ISAT U continues to expand its engagement with local government partners, with plans to develop more research and extension initiatives and capacity-building programs that will further strengthen governance practices across the region.

ISAT U currently serves as the Lead Convenor of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC). Under this role, the university spearheaded pioneering research initiatives for DILG’s Decentralization, Local Governance and Reform Advocacy Program, producing two comprehensive research studies covering the entire Western Visayas region.

Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, Director of the Public Information and Communications Office, received the award on behalf of the university. He was accompanied by LGOO VI Medel Espinosa of DILG Region VI.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has proudly secured its place among the nation’s top-performing schools in the September and November 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Elementary Level). With an impressive 92.68% passing rate, ISAT U ranked 6th nationwide, a remarkable achievement that underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and quality teacher education.

This milestone reflects the collective dedication, perseverance, and passion of ISAT U’s teacher education graduates, faculty, and administrators. Their hard work has not only brought honor to the university but also strengthened its reputation as a premier institution for nurturing future educators.

ISAT U’s consistent performance in national licensure examinations highlights the effectiveness of its programs and the university’s unwavering focus on producing competent, compassionate, and innovative teachers. This recognition serves as an inspiration for current students and a reminder of the institution’s vital role in shaping the future of Philippine education.

University officials expressed gratitude to the ISAT U community, especially to the College of Education, emphasizing that this achievement is a shared victory. It demonstrates the synergy between students’ determination, faculty’s guidance, and administrators’ support — all working together to uphold the university’s mission of excellence.