The delegates from the six-member nations of Asia-Pacific Network Sector of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) during a courtesy visit at the Office of the University President. From left, Dr. Manuel de la Rosa of UNEVOC Philippines Manila Center. ISAT U VPAF Dr. Nehema K. Misola, Asso. Prof. Razzal Hassan of Malaysia, ISAT U Pres. Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Anita Widiawati of UNEVOC Indonesia, Deputy Director Nivone Moungkhounsavath of Laos, Mr. Panyachart Wongpanya , OVEC Thailand and Dr. Hwang Gyu-Hee of the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KTIVET) Center for Global Cooperation.

The Asia-Pacific Network Sector of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) joined the First  Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the International Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNEVOC) International Research Conference on Science and Technology on November 30-December 2, 2016 at Iloilo City.

Representatives from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea and Laos  shared results of case studies, best practices, updates on current curriculum and public private partnership for TVET.

Dr. Nehema K. Misola, ISAT U Vice President for Administration and Finance and faculty members, Dr. Madeline U. Subosa, Dr. Richard C. De Leon and Dr. Juniffer Badoles were members of the Philippine delegation to the special interest group presentation. Dr.  Misola, UNEVOC Philippines Visayas Center, presented the sign posts of development for UNEVOC Philippines. Dr. Subosa and Dr. Misola shared the result of a case study on inclusion of differently-abled TVET trainees. Dr. De Leon and Dr. Badoles, on the other hand, updated foreign delegates on the development of Information and Communication Technology Modules for TVET.

Foreign and local guests toured the renewable energy facility of the San Lorenzo Wind Farm and other research centers at Guimaras province as part of the three-day research conference.

 Mr. Edward Dela Rosa of UNEVOC Philippines Manila Center, shared the processes and procedures in enhancing science and technology in TVET.

The reforms of current TVET system in Thailand was presented by Mr. Panyachart Wongpanya of OVEC Thailand while Associate Professor Razall Hassan gave the update on private public partnership for TVET in Malaysia. Deputy Director Nivone Moungkhounsavath of VEDI Laos imparted the research and development work for curriculum enhancement in Laos.

Dr. Hwang Gyu-Hee of the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KTIVET) Center for Global Cooperation, UNEVOC CENTER-Republic of Korea and Anita Widiawati, of the UNEVOC Center of Indonesia talked during the plenary session.

The International Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNEVOC) took the conference as an opportunity to expand innovation and science and technology contents in TVET and it is within the UNESC-UNEVOC Medium-term strategy (2017-2021). The conduct of the International Research Conference on Science and Technology was also included in the UNEVOC Philippines Biennial Plan.

Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, AACCUP Founding President and Executive Director, emphasizes on excellence and quality in higher education.

Five faculty members of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) completed the Training Workshop on Outcome-Based Quality Assurance conducted by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) on November 9-11, 2016 at the HRT Service Center.

The faculty members are Prof. George L. Lopez, II, Engr. Evan G. Daza, Engr. Rewil R. Tornelejo, Engr. Maria Analie M. Celda and Prof. Ma. Salome R. Magbanua. They were among the 83 trainees from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Bicol Region, Western, Central and Eastern Visayas who passed the evaluation and written examination. Prof. Lopez received a citation for ranking number 2 in the written examination.

A series of lectures equipped participants with knowledge on AACCUP accreditation system and the skills for accreditation works.

Dr. Manuel T. Corpuz, AACCUP Founding President and Executive Director, emphasized that excellence is  a continuing process and accreditation and accreditors have a role  to this never-ending quest. AACCUP, according to Dr. Corpuz, is the most professional accreditation unit in Asia and the Pacific and it demands dedicated and professional accreditors.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Training Director for Visayas, oriented the newly-trained accreditors on the conduct of the Three–Day Survey Visit and the Team Organization and Management. He challenged participants by saying, “He who dares accredit must never cease to learn.”

ISAT U Quality Assurance Chief, Dr. Renelda P. Nacianceno discussed on the preparation for the actual rating, Review of Instrument, Review of PPP and Data Gathering.

The Rating System and Team Consultation Meeting were handled by Dr. Nenita L. Prado, AACCUP Training Director for Mindanao while the Team Decision Making was presented by Dr. Mario S. Suba AACCUP Training Director for Luzon. Prof. Ricky Abelena III lectured on how to make team reports.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President.  orients participants on the accreditors’ roles, attitudes towards accreditation work and the benefits they get under the AACCUP system.

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Top university officials witness the signing of the collective negotiation agreement (CNA).

To update the faculty on the University’s achievements and plans, and to provide  a venue for airing their concerns, a General Faculty Conference was held on November 4, 2016 at the Educational Technology (EdTech) Center .

The conference’s main agenda were the offering of nine new programs for school year 2018-2019, updates on the latest meeting of the Board of Regents (BOR),  administrative, research, extension services and academic concerns, and the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).

Dr. Manuel K. Sanchez. Jr. announced that University will offer Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, Bachelor of Science in Biology Technology, Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Bachelor in Cruise ship Management,  Master in Information Technology, Master in Information System and Master of Science and Technology Livelihood Education as soon as all requirements are complied with the

ISAT U Faculty at the general meeting.

Matters taken up during the last meeting of the Board of Regents (BOR)  was presented by  Dr. Raul F. Muyong, University President. He informed the faculty that the proposed increase in students insurance, radio frequency identification or RF ID and the student teaching fee was deferred by the BOR for the next meeting pending compliance of some requirements. The BOR, on the other hand, approved the purchase of the service vehicle for the Barotac Nuevo Campus and the motorcycle requested by the Automotive Department.

Dr. Muyong also presented the 2016 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) leveling evaluation conducted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI. He said that ISAT U received 35.55 points which is above the minimum points required for a Level IV university. He also reported  that the University’s over-all performance in the September 2016 Professional Licensure Examination for Electrical Engineers and Registered Master Electrician is higher than the national passing rate.

The President assured the faculty that infrastructure projects (research hub phase 2 and overpass to connect the main campus with the new site) and other developments will continue despite the 28 million decrease in the budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for 2017. He further expressed his hope that Congress will consider the SUCs appeal to retain last year’s budget.

Other matters discussed were the scheduled Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) accreditation training and the in-house trainings specifically on the transition from International Standard Organization (ISO):2008 to ISO: 2015. The university also gears for the application of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA)   as Center of Development.

Discipline and responsibility were also emphasized. Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Nehema K. Misola encouraged all teachers to observe orderliness in the laboratory room, strictly switch off electric lights and facilities after classes, properly monitor classes, wear ID at all times, properly dispose garbage and park motorcycles in parking areas and submit bids documents and quotations on time.

Vice President for Research and Extension Services (VPRE) Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut reminded the faculty on the importance of research in any science and technology institutions. He shared his experiences and gave the overview of researches and research facilities of higher learning institutions abroad. Dr. Ambut was saddened that the Philippines lagged behind from other countries in research undertakings.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong and Engr. Jonathan Antiquiera sign the CNA.

Dr. Ambut also highlighted ISAT U’s efforts to conduct studies during the meeting. The on-going funded research programs being conducted are the Bioactive Hyaluronic Acid from Heads of Silver Whiting for Nutraceutical Use” Phase II (P6.2 millon, USAID-STRIDE); Valorization of Brown Seaweeds Through Alginate Extraction for Fruit and Fish Postharvest Preservation (P6.2 million, USAID-STRIDE), S Turbine Development Project ( 1 million, USAID) ; Prototype Rescue Boat (P200 thousand, DOST).

Dr. Muyong added that the University Research Services Division organized the First International Research Congress set on November 30- December 2, 2016. It is expected that the conference will become a venue for local and international researchers to share their knowledge for the advancement of science and technology.

The collective negotiation agreement (CNA) between the administration and the employees union was another highlight of the meeting. After a series of negotiations, Dr. Raul F. Muyong representing the administration and Engr. Jonathan Antiqueira, President of the Faculty Employees Federation Inc. (FEFI), signed the CNA.