ISAT U Marks 120 Years of Excellence with Grand Anniversary Kickoff

Kicking off a momentous milestone with flair and unity, Iloilo Science and Technology University launched its 120th founding anniversary celebration on September 7, 2025, Day Zero, with a vibrant motorcade, a clean-up drive, and a soul-stirring ecumenical service. A dazzling Project Runway which was showcased at SM City, Iloilo, set the tone for a week of pride, tradition, and innovation.

The celebration was then officially opened on Monday, September  8, 2025, with this year’s theme, “ Celebrating a tradition of growth, innovation, and sustainability.” marking over a century of excellence, resilience, and service to the community.

Despite the rain, the celebration commenced with a foot parade and street dance participated by the different colleges as well as its external campuses (Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Leon, Miagao). The foot parade started from the New Site, going to the Old Site of the campus with each team showcasing their skills in dancing during the street dance presentation. The opening program drew students, faculty, and alumni to gather and honor the institution’s rich legacy and look forward to a vibrant future.

This year’s guest speaker, Engr. Wulbert Woo, Public Sector Representative and member of the ISAT U Board of Regents,  emphasized the significance of ISAT U graduates in the society. According to him today’s society demands exactly what ISAT U provides. He believes that ISAT U graduates are skilled, innovative, and ready for the challenges of the real world.

The first day of the celebration was loaded with activities including the Professional Lecture prepared for the faculty and staff. Dr. Neda June D. Salazar, a registered Guidance Councilor and President of the Central Philippine Adventist College discussed “Emotional Strength in Challenging Times: Thriving with Resilience and Growth.”

As the festivities continue throughout the week, the community is invited to participate in a series of events including academic quiz, research and extension symposiums, skills competition, literary musical contest, short film festival, alumni reunions, blood donation activity, the legacy run, and many others. Food kiosks and exhibit booths are strategically positioned around the university premises. Highlighting this celebration is the search for Mr. and Ms. ISAT U 2025 which is set on September 12, 2025.

With 120 years behind ISAT U, the university carries forward not just the celebration, but a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and service—honoring the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future with innovation, pride, and purpose.

ISAT U Officials Take to Airwaves to Promote 120th Founding Anniversary Celebration

Key officials of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) launched a comprehensive radio publicity campaign this weekend to inform the public about the university’s upcoming 120th founding anniversary celebration, scheduled from September 7-15, 2025.

University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. and Public Information and Communications Office Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil made strategic appearances on popular radio programs to highlight the milestone celebration themed “ISAT U @ 120: A Celebration of Growth, Innovation, and Sustainability.”

Dr. Salistre appeared on two major radio programs on August 31, speaking with Bombo Radyo Philippines during their flagship “Good Morning Philippines” program and with Radyo Pilipinas on their “Ang Rehiyon Karon” show.

During his interviews, the university president emphasized key management principles that continue to guide ISAT U’s institutional development. He reminded audiences of the philosophy that “no campus will be left behind” and “there’s no way but up” for the university—principles championed by former President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, who now serves as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Director.

“These guiding principles serve as both a reminder and encouragement as we celebrate our 120 years of educational excellence,” Dr. Salistre said during his radio appearances.

The president outlined the extensive lineup of activities planned for the nine-day celebration, spanning multiple campuses across Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Iloilo City, Leon, and Miagao.

Dr. Gumaquil kick-started the radio campaign with his studio guesting at DYRP Life Radio on Saturday, August 30, during the station’s morning program. As PICO Director, he provided detailed information about the celebration’s diverse activities designed to showcase the university’s growth and achievements.

The anniversary celebration will feature a wide range of activities including:

  • September 7: Clean Up Drive, Ecumenical Service, Motorcade, and Project Runway
  • September 8: Foot Parade with Street Dance Presentation and Opening Program featuring tree planting, ribbon cutting, exhibits, food kiosks, poster presentations, and a professional lecture
  • September 9: Blood Donation Drive, Academic Quiz, Research and Extension Symposium, IPMO Innovation Fest, and Literary-Musical Contest
  • September 10: Skills Contest, Film Festival, and the ISAT U Pinaka Book of Records
  • September 11: Students Day and Testimonial Program
  • September 12: Family Day and Search for Mr. and Ms. ISAT U 2025
  • September 13: ISAT U Legacy Run 120 and Alumni Federation’s Day
  • September 15: Closing Program

The radio appearances are part of a broader media campaign designed to maximize public awareness and participation in the founding anniversary celebration. Complementing the radio publicity campaign, ISAT U has also launched a massive social media campaign to inform and promote the anniversary activities across digital platforms.

This multi-channel approach ensures comprehensive coverage and maximum participation in the celebration events.

RSU Strengthens Media Synergy Through Benchmarking with PICO

In a strategic move to elevate its media and public relations capabilities, the Office of Media and Public Affairs (OMPA) of Romblon State University (RSU) embarked on a benchmarking initiative with the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) on August 14, 2025.

The benchmarking activity started with a short “meet and greet” with Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Vice President for External Affairs, who was also the Officer-in charge of the day. The team was then given a guided tour of ISAT U’s Communication Center—a hub equipped with modern tools for public address system, and audio control for university advisories, and most of all university activities and events. They were then led to the main office of PICO which provided a firsthand look at how ISAT U manages its public information and media operations.

What followed was a dynamic exchange of ideas between the two institutions. Both teams shared insights, challenges, and best practices. Some of the important factors that were discussed were the organizational structure, core functions, university branding and effective ways on how to capture students’ attention and enhance their interaction with the university’s social media content. The dialogue not only highlighted ISAT U’s strengths but also sparked new possibilities for RSU’s media development roadmap.

Heading the RSU team was their OMPA Director Ms. Charevel F. Ferranco. With her were Mr. Andrei Rafael V. Fabellon, Head, Public Relations and Communications Unit; Mr. Roi James M. Duran, Head, Digital Media and Content Creation Unit; Mr. Jerryjay G. Formal, Head, Multimedia and Technical Productions Unit; their staff and officers of the MARBLE Media Student Organization. They were welcomed by PICO Information Officer 3, Ms. Lucille P. Jaspe, who represented their Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, and Information Officers, Ms. Jovette Aimee B. Arceta, Rommel Griffith P. Habaradas, Mr. Jephthah C. Sustituido and Mr. Gregorio Onday, Jr., Communication Center in charge. Mr. Francis Fritz B. Esportono, ILDO Director and Adviser of Partum Multimedia League, and Jullia Marie N. Raylos were also present to discuss the role of the student organization in the publicity and documentation of university events.

Pre-opening Conference Sets Strategic Direction for AY 2025-2026

With one week left before the opening of classes for the Academic Year 2025 – 2026, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), through the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, proudly convened its esteemed faculty across all campuses for the traditional systemwide pre-opening conference on August 7, 2025, at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.

The pre-opening conference is a gathering that sets the tone for excellence, collaboration, and innovation in education in preparation for the opening of classes.  During the President’s time, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. discussed the achievements in the last academic year. He then appealed to the faculty to prepare the students even better so that they are not just ready to pass but ready to excel. He emphasized that innovation must be embedded in the mindset and practice of every faculty member because as a science and technology university, it does not only bring identity but most of all responsibility.

The conference also included the accomplishment reports of the different units presented by the VP for Administration and Finance, Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, VP for External Affairs, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao and VP for Research and Extension, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut. Dr. Jasper Pastrano, President of the Federated Employees and Faculty Inc. also presented the newly elected officers of the different campuses.

The teams behind the winning entries in the different categories of the Worl University Ranking for Innovation were also awarded during the event. These winning entries were Rank #35 in Funding for Sustainability led by project leaders Dr. Naci Joh Trance and Dr. Olive Joy Abing, rank # 59, in University Brand and Reputation, headed by Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, and rank #73, for Entrepreneurial spirit led by  Dr. Ma. Cora Biton.

Prior to the conclusion of the dialogue, an open forum was conducted to encourage dialogue to voice perspectives and address key concerns.

ISAT University Celebrates Triple Victory in World University Rankings for Innovation

ISAT University recognized the teams behind its three Top 100 placements in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) during an awarding ceremony held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.

The recognition ceremony took place during the Pre-Opening Conference for Faculty for the First Semester of Academic Year 2025-2026, highlighting the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence across multiple domains.

ISAT U secured impressive rankings in three key categories:

Rank #35 in Funding for Sustainability was achieved under the leadership of project leaders Engr. Naci John Trance and Dr. Olive Joy Abing, demonstrating the university’s strong commitment to sustainable development initiatives.

Rank #59 in University Brand and Reputation was led by Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil as project leader, supported by Information Officer 3 Lucille Jaspe and other information officers who contributed to enhancing the university’s visibility and standing.

Rank #73 in Entrepreneurial Spirit was spearheaded by Dr. Ma. Cora Biton as project leader, reflecting the institution’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its academic community.

The World University Rankings for Innovation recognizes higher education institutions worldwide that demonstrate exceptional performance in driving innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. ISAT U’s triple achievement within the Top 100 rankings underscores its growing reputation as a leading institution in technological advancement and sustainable development.

The awarding ceremony served as an inspiring start to the academic year, celebrating the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and administrators who contributed to these outstanding achievements.

The recognition positions ISAT U among the world’s most innovative universities and reinforces its commitment to excellence in higher education.

ISAT U Honored at National FBSE Summit 2025

University recognized for advancing Filipino service excellence through education and training

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) was proudly recognized as one of the distinguished academic institutions nationwide during the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Summit 2025, held on July 21, 2025, at The Bellevue Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The Department of Tourism hosted the summit anchored on the theme “The Power of FBSE: Paving the Way for a Culture-Centered Nation,” bringing together key figures from the tourism industry, government agencies, and service excellence advocates nationwide.

It served as a vital platform to showcase best practices and celebrate the milestones of the FBSE movement in strengthening the Filipino identity through world-class service.

On behalf of the University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., Dr. Jeanneth F. Darroca, Dean of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), received the FBSE Academe Partner Award during the recognition and awards ceremony.

The award reflects ISAT U’s active role in advancing the FBSE program through meaningful academic collaboration, enterprise-level training, and community outreach.

This national recognition underscores the university’s strong commitment to instilling the core values of Filipino hospitality and service excellence in its students — preparing them not just as professionals, but as ambassadors of culture-centered, people-first service.

This recent recognition follows a series of notable achievement by the university.

Notably, ISAT University was also recognized as the Tourism Champion for Academic Empowerment during the PAGADAYAW 2024: Western Visayas Tourism Awards Night held on December 9, 2024, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.

This recent honor further affirms the University’s unwavering dedication to strengthening tourism and service education not just in the region but globally.

As a leading higher education institution in Western Visayas, ISAT U continues to be a vital contributor in shaping future-ready graduates and in promoting the ideals of Filipino service across sectors.

Article by:
Ms. Tiffany Anne L. Tan

University Launches College of Computing and Informatics

As an answer to the evolving growth of digitization, the university launched the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI). The College was officially launched on July 18, 2025, which started with a Thanksgiving mass and the unveiling of the legacy marker.

In his speech, the university president, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., emphasized that establishing this new college is not only about adding new programs but this is a part of the bold and decisive step toward the growth and fulfillment of our university vision of becoming the leading science and technology university in Southeast Asia by 2030. This is also the proactive response of the ISAT U to the rapidly growing demand of ICT professionals around the world. The creation of the CCI was made possible through BOR Resolution No. 11-2025.

During the launching program, Engr. Roly J. Gambol, the pioneer Head of the Computer Department in ISAT U, now a Consultant of MERALCO Powergen Corporation, expressed his gratitude for the invitation to be part of the launching. According to him, as early as 2005, he has already seen the potentials of the Computer Department to separate from the College of Arts and Sciences and stand as a College. He pointed that the university has been producing a lot of experts in IT and it is only proper to establish a separate college for computer and information technology. He believes that this endeavor will benefit more students because it is based on the foundation of excellence, community engagement and the vision is clear which is to provide an unparallel learning experience that fosters critical thinking, cultivates creativity and instills a deep sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr. former WVCST President and Dr. Raul F. Muyong, first ISAT U President and now CHED Director IV of the Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance Commission on Higher Education, expressed their gladness on this endeavor and encouraged the faculty to strive more for the realization of the vision of the College. Members of the Board of Regents, and alumni of the Computer Department also graced the occasion.  

At the launching of CCI, the College logo, Tagline, and Social Media Site were also launched. College officials and Faculty were also introduced.

PRC honors College of Ed as 3rd Top Performing School

In a powerful affirmation of its commitment to excellence in teacher preparation, the College of Education of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) has been honored by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as one of the Top 3 Performing Schools nationwide in the elementary level of the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The College achieved an outstanding 96.67% passing rate, placing it among the most distinguished teacher education institutions in the country.

The award was formally conferred during the oath-taking ceremony for newly licensed teachers held on July 13, 2025 at the Iloilo Convention Center by the PRC Vice Chairperson Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Dr. Paraluman R. Giron, and PRC Regional Director Dr. Rommel Balisang. For ISAT U, this recognition is more than just a number. It is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, the perseverance of our students, and the university’s enduring mission to nurture competent, compassionate, and future-ready educators. This milestone serves as a testament to ISAT U’s vital role in shaping the teaching profession and elevating the standards of education across the Philippines. Dr. Joel A. Ciriaco, Dean of the College of Education together with Dr. Carmen L. Cruzata, Department Head of the Elementary Teacher Education received the award.

Article by:
Mr. Jan Rex P. Osano

12 ISAT U Faculty, Staff Complete UP Impact Assessment Course

Twelve faculty members and staff from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) have distinguished themselves by completing an intensive four-month Impact Assessment and Poverty Alleviation Course (IAPA), with four participants earning the program’s highest honors.

The rigorous training program, conducted by the University of the Philippines Open University from February 1 to May 24, 2025, aimed to develop technical expertise in poverty analysis and impact assessment methodology across the Philippines.

Four ISAT U participants achieved certificates of completion with high distinction, demonstrating exceptional mastery of the course material: Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, Dr. Maureen Nettie N. Linan, Mr. Alfie Anthony N. Neodama, and Mr. Ascer Glen C. Magno.

Dr. Gwen M. Anuevo earned a certificate of completion with distinction, while seven colleagues successfully completed the comprehensive program: Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, Engr. Naci John C. Trance, Engr. Rowena P. Calasara, Dr. Olive Joy G. Abing, Mr. Aaron Paul P. Puljanan, Dr. Bernie F. Piad, and Ms. May Flor M. Tacardon.

The IAPA program represents a strategic initiative to address the Philippines’ growing need for qualified impact assessment specialists. Originally conceptualized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the course was designed to augment the limited pool of experts capable of conducting comprehensive poverty and development impact assessments nationwide.

The course covers the impact assessment process, poverty concepts and measurement, and key issues in poverty analysis. Participants also learn statistical methods and tools for assessment, along with strategies for communicating results, advocating for policy issues, and influencing policy development.

The completion of this specialized training enhances ISAT University’s capacity to conduct research and analysis related to poverty alleviation and development impact assessment.

Office of the President Leads Tree Planting Activity

The office of the University President of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) spearheaded a Tree Planting activity as part of the university’s project of 120, 000 Trees for its 120th Founding Anniversary.

Aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals number 13 Climate Action and SDG number 15 Life on land, the tree planting activity conducted on June 13, 2025 at Brgy. Baye, Mambusao, Capiz was led by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. Five other offices which are directly under the supervision of the university president joined the activity. These offices are the Office of the Legal Affairs, University Quality Assurance Center, Gender and Development Center, Board Secretary’s Office, and the Public Information and Communications Office. The Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance also sent a representative.

The team were assisted and guided by the Barangay officials of Brgy Baye as well as its Barangay Tanod who helped in preparing the area for the tree planting. They also assured the growth monitoring of these seedlings. The objective of the activity was to plant 400 seedlings of Narra Tree and Dao Tree. However, at the end of the day, the team recorded a total of 418 seedlings planted successfully.

This activity did not only show ISAT U’s commitment to completing its project before the actual founding anniversary celebration but also a testament to its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As of latest counting, ISAT U has now recorded a total of 108, 891 trees planted.