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

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. 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.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) hosted the Council of Deans and Heads in Home Economics and Livelihood Education of the Philippines, Inc. (CODHHELEP) 2^nd National Training and Seminar Workshop on October 20-22, 2016 at the Ed Tech Center, ISAT U.

The workshop aimed to enhance the teaching competencies on the development of outcome-based education teaching learning plan, develop skills in food processing, beauty and health care and provide a venue for the sharing of best practices in addressing issues and concerns of the discipline and the profession.

With the theme “Upgrading Skills and Improving Lives Towards Asean Integration,” the three-day activity featured simultaneous skills demonstration and series of lectures, fora and group discussions.

ISAT U Prof. Edith P. Gonzales and Dr. Merlinda T. Tucar with assessors of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) led the demonstration on nail care and hilot wellness massage. Part time Instructor Ms. Cielo Mirasol of the Hotel and Restaurant Department showcased the food and beverage services while the proper housekeeping demonstration was handled by TESDA assessor Dr. Virginia Parreno and the Home Economics Section.

Other skills featured were the processing of coco water vinegar by ISAT U’s Prof. Adrienne D. Veloso; homemade ice cream,  Prof. Hermelina M. Saladar and Prof. Gleceria G. Bello of Aklan State University, eggplant cookies;  and Prof. Rick John Solar of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, malunggay juice.

Topics in the symposium included outcome based education in Home Economics that focused on Asean Integration, updates in outcome based teaching learning K-12 Curriculum in Technical-Vocational track and competency skills in food processing, health care and beauty products.    The preparation in the outcome based teaching learning plan was conducted in the group sessions.

The workshop was attended by teachers, deans, and department heads of home economics and technology educators from higher learning institutions, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) from both public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

TESDA Regional Director Toni June Tamayo was the keynote speaker. He stressed on the importance of upgrading the skills of educators in order to be competitive with our ASEAN neighbors.

Conference over-all coordinator and CODHHELEP Vice Pres. Dr. Merlinda T. Tucar said that the conference will help the Home Economics, Technology and Livelihood Education,  instructors in upgrading their skills and in addressing issues and concerns of home economics and livelihood education towards ASEAN Integration.

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              To continuously enhance the personnel’s skills, knowledge and abilities, the ISAT U administration conducted Project I-TEACH (In-house Training for Enhancement of Abilities and Competencies of Human Resource) among the administrative staff on September 6-7, 2016 at the Ed Tech Center.

          Dr. Nehema K. Misola, VP for Administration and Finance  emphasized the love of one’s work and to value one’s contribution in the success of the university.

        The lectures and workshop in upgrading the office clerks’ proficiency in oral and written business communications skills were conducted by Miss Irish Joy C. Sampiano and Mr. Arturo I. Bahoyan respectively.

         The drivers were given a refresher on electrical wiring and troubleshooting by Dr. Sammy A. Daitao; while Ms. Cherry Macaya helped enhanced the housekeeping abilities of the utility personnel.

        To heighten the awareness on campus safety and security, Engr. Christian D. Misola lectured on Safety, Security Skills Inventory and Upgrading to the security guards and Mr. John Corona discussed some important points on Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

        The human resource department also saw the need to train the employees in accomplishing the Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) form. Chief Administration Officer Enieda G. Corona gave a lecture on the topic.

        On top of the training in their field of specialization, the participants were given some spiritual and moral enrichment. A talk on mental hygiene was delivered by Rev. Fr. Joel Rojo Eslabra.

        Customer care was also a priority in the in-house training. Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca gave some important insights  on how to provide services that would promote total customer satisfaction.

A thumbs up show the renewed commitment of ISAT U employees to excellent public service. I-TEACH participants with Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Dr. Nehema K. Misola, Mrs. Enieda G. Corona, Mr.  Bonnie Arenal and Mrs. Maila Alparaque of HRMO after a two-day workshop.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                See related photos:                                                                                                                                                            

 

    A student-administration dialogue attended by the students and key university officials, deans and directors who are members of the Administrative Council was held on September 26, 2016 at the University Multi-purpose Gym. The yearly activity  organized by the Student Republic (SR) is a venue for the students to air their problems, concerns and complaints.

           A total of 39 questions and concerns were raised in the 2 hours and 22 minutes interactions. Among the major issues discussed were the K-12 implementation, school uniforms and dress code, field trips, school facilities and services and the faculty’s behavior.

           On the issue of the new school uniform, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President, clarified that the scheduled implementation of the University uniform for freshmen in all campuses in the second semester was moved for the next school year due to unresolved problem with the cloths’ texture. He emphasized further that the old uniforms can still be used by students in the higher years.

            Decency during non-uniform days was also articulated in the dialogue. It was pointed out that the same issue was discussed with the parents in the College Community Parents-Teacher Association (CCPTA) meeting on August 21, 2016. It was reiterated that ladies are not allowed to wear tops that are sleeveless, spaghetti strapped, tubes, midriffs, hanging one shoulder blouse, halter or mesh. Short shorts, mini-skirts that fall above the knee or torn jeans are not tolerated. For the men, sleeveless, ripped shirts, or shirts with holes, shorts of any length, capri pants or torn jeans are no-no inside the campus. It was also noted that students change from school uniform to skimpy dresses which they bring along with them in the school campus. Aside from provocative clothes, tattoos and earrings for boys are not allowed in school.

            In response to the query on when are field trips allowed, the administration clarified that tours and field trips are allowed for as long as it is justifiable. Dr. Muyong said that the foremost consideration of the administration in considering or denying requests for off campus activities is the welfare of the students. Practicality is also considered. Outside engagement will not be allowed if the facilities to be used in the area of activity can also be found in the campus. This will encourage the utilization of school’s resources for the student’s activities.

       The implementation of the K-12 program in the Laboratory School was announced in the meeting. College of Education (COE) dean, Dr. Ma. Asusina Asuncion E. Echaveria said that the Department of Education (DepEd) already gave the approval to start the program for the next school year. Dr. Raul F. Muyong added that Tech-Voc (Technical-Vocational), STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) tracks will be offered. He further informed the students that the Laboratory School and the COE will transfer to the new building  upon its completion.

       A student from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) raised the issue on shortage of stools in the laboratory. CEA dean Dr. Russ Allen Napud explained that the department prioritized the purchased of 200 drawing tables amounting to 900 thousand pesos in the previous purchases and a request for supplemental budget for 200 chairs will be submitted to the Administrative Council in the next meeting. He also made mention of the misdemeanor of some students resulting to damage to the university’s property. Dr. Napud reminded them that school facilities should be handled with care and responsibility.

     The inconvenience brought by floods and the heat of the sun in going to or coming from the new site was also discussed. The university president lamented the situation and laid down the plan to construct the access road (overpass) connecting the two campuses. The Department of Budget and Management already approved the 15 million budget for its construction and is scheduled by January 2017.

      Other concerns on the teachers’ attendance, handling of classes, manner of giving examinations and grades, refunds and repair of school facilities were referred to the deans and department heads for appropriate actions. Students with problems on their teachers and other personnel were requested to see the deans for verification and necessary actions on their complaints.

     Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice Pres. for Research and Extension suggested that an accomplishment report of the discussion will be presented in the next dialogue to see if the concerns were addressed

by the administration. Dr. Mergie Gasataya, Secretary to the Board requested the SR for a copy of the minutes of the dialogue to make sure that all issues were noted by both parties.

     Dr. Raul F. Muyong assured the students that whatever matters taken up in the dialogue will be calendared for the next Administrative Council meeting and be addressed the soonest time possible.