ISAT U Fashion Design Students Gain International Recognition at iDeA Awards in Malaysia

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandizing (BSFDM) students brought Filipino creativity and fashion design talent to the international stage, earning multiple distinctions at the iDeA -Fashion International Design Award 2026 held Aug. 19-20 at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Johor, Malaysia.

Representing the Philippines, the BSFDM students secured several awards, including a Bronze Award, Best Technical Award and a Consolation Prize. Competing alongside 28 participating groups from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, they demonstrated their creativity, technical skills and craftsmanship.

Team of Jelo Godwin Ealdama and Jonel De Guzman bags the Bronze Award with Dr. Edith P. Gonzales serving as faculty coach.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Rendaje and Carl Vincent Tavillo coached by Ms. Gloria Fe F. Golveo received the Best Technical Award.

Another ISAT U team, composed of Mary Elaine Cabaraca and Ellana Marielle Faeldonea, received a Consolation Prize, also under the mentorship of Golveo.

Also representing ISAT U were BSFDM students John Eleazar Pragale and Lancer Geromiano, along with Bachelor of Industrial Technology major in Apparel and Fashion Technology students Rein Shania Katipunan and Shan Zymel Bren Guaves under the guidance of faculty coach Ms. Jasmine Ibones.

The 2026 edition carried the theme “Threads of Johor: Threads of Tomorrow,” celebrating local heritage and reimagining it through modern, sustainable fashion interpretations.

For the students, the competition was more than an opportunity to receive awards. It gave them a chance to showcase their creativity, technical skills and design concepts in an international setting while learning alongside fellow student designers from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

ISAT U Launches ISO 21001:2025 EOMS Awareness Training to Enhance Educational Quality and Institutional Readiness

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) took a significant step towards enhancing its educational quality management system by conducting the inaugural day of the ISO 21001:2025 Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) Awareness Training on August 17, 2026. This initiative aims to prepare key university personnel for the upcoming transition from the current ISO 9001:2015 standards, aligning with the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education.

The training, held on August 17-18, 2026, and was led by Miss Lorna O. Valdez, Managing Consultant of Dlanor Consultancy Services, focused on equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of the new ISO 21001:2025 standard. Attendees learned about the fundamental concepts, methodologies, organizational structures, and work processes that are essential for implementing an effective EOMS tailored for educational institutions.

This awareness training is a crucial step in the university journey towards adopting the ISO 21001:2025 standard. It does not only enhance the institutional competence but also ensures that the organization is well-prepared to meet the evolving expectations of the students, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

The transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 21001:2025 reflects ISAT U’s dedication to maintaining high standards of quality management specific to educational organizations. The new standard emphasizes a student-centered approach, highlighting those with special needs, organizational leadership, and a focus on risks and opportunities to foster continuous improvement.

ISAT U’s proactive engagement in this training underscores its commitment to institutional excellence and readiness for future accreditation and compliance. The university plans to roll out further training sessions and workshops to ensure comprehensive understanding and seamless integration of the new standard across all departments.

As the institution moves forward with this transformative process, it remains steadfast in its goal of providing quality education through a robust, efficient, and innovative management system aligned with international best practices.

ISAT U CELEBRATES ASEAN MONTH 2026

On the first day of classes for Academic Year 2026–2027, ISAT U officially launched its ASEAN Month 2026 celebration this August 10, 2026, at the ISAT U Multipurpose Educational Center, uniting students, faculty, staff, and guests in a vibrant showcase of Southeast Asian culture, identity, and solidarity.

Anchored on the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the opening program featured a Parade of Nations, preliminary ceremonies, a keynote message delivered by ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., and colorful cultural performances representing the Philippines and fellow ASEAN member states. Delegates from ISAT U’s various campuses showcased their dance prowess, leading the audience into an electrifying, culturally rich experience. Through music, traditional attire, dance, and other cultural expressions, the event highlighted the region’s rich diversity and the university’s commitment to fostering cooperation, mutual understanding, and regional friendship.

“As ISAT U moves toward its vision of becoming the leading science and technology university in Southeast Asia by 2030, let us ensure that we do not merely find our place in the future of ASEAN. Let us help create that future.,” said Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. “This ASEAN Month is an opportunity for the ISAT U community to celebrate our common aspirations and strengthen ties across borders as we navigate tomorrow together.”

The ASEAN Month celebration will continue through August 14, 2026, with a lineup of activities designed to promote greater appreciation of Southeast Asian cultures and shared regional goals. Planned events include cultural exhibits, food fairs, academic forums, student exchanges, film screenings, and interactive workshops aimed at deepening intercultural dialogue and cooperation among participants.

ISAT U Welcomes Taiwanese Visitors to Kick Off ASEAN Month

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) officially opened its highly anticipated ASEAN Month celebration with a vibrant spirit of unity, cultural diversity, and international camaraderie on August 6, 2026 at ISAT U SSB Hall.

Setting an inspiring tone for the month-long festivities, VPEA office together in collaboration with College of Engineering Architecture Student Council (CEASC), rolled out a dynamic program tailored for 15 special visitors from Taiwan.

The festivities naturally began on a high note with a cordial courtesy call at the Office of the Dean, where the delegates were greeted with the signature hospitality that Ilonggos are widely known for.

The delegation embarked on an engaging tour of the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and creative learning spaces. The visitors explored the EE and ECE Equipment Room, marveling at the hands-on setups which included the brand-new Motor Control and Pneumatics Trainer at room CEA R-115, Robo Arm during the AI Fest, Arduino Projects (EEPROM calculator, TOWER CRANE Stand-alone manual-controlled using Joystick), ESP32 Powered Robot, Robo Robo, RC cars and 5X5 LED CUBE. They also stepped into the Architecture Department to admire the intricate design models and creative project outputs proudly crafted by ISAT U students.

Continuing their journey through the campus, the guests dropped by the Mechanical Engineering laboratories to get a firsthand look at the cutting-edge tools and practical training equipment shaping tomorrow’s engineers. For both the hosts and the visitors, these stops were not just about touring facilities; they served as wonderful opportunities to compare student experiences, share technical insights, and discover how different cultures approach innovation.

True to the core theme of internationalization, this memorable day proved that learning extends far beyond traditional classroom walls. By opening their doors and sharing their spaces, the ISAT U community and their Taiwanese guests created lasting bonds that champion the true spirit of global camaraderie. As the university presses forward with its month-long celebration, this heartwarming kickoff stands as a proud milestone in bridging cultures together—team learning, keep going!

ISAT U Space Society Bags Dual Honors at National Space Conference

Cebu City, Philippines — August 5, 2026 — The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Space Society achieved a landmark victory at the Philippine Space Science and Astronomy Research Conference (PSSARC) 2026, securing two of the event’s most prestigious awards.

Mechanical engineering students Giovanni Paolo C. Mondejar and Kent Alster T. Palmares, together with society founder Dave Loui A. Gumarang, earned the Best Poster Award in Space Science for their innovative study on drum brake performance under simulated lunar surface conditions.

Meanwhile, Civil Engineering student Van Kaizer J. Ibañez clinched the Best Oral Presentation Award for his research evaluating the educational impact of the society’s regional space outreach programs across Iloilo.

The ISAT U delegation also included members Chatten Bion P. Abrera, Seer Guile Destor, and Vince Kharlo B. Caringal, guided by their adviser Engr. Herold C. Caisido.

The dual win marks a significant milestone for ISAT U, positioning the university as one of the country’s emerging leaders in student-driven space science and astronomy research.

Hosted by the Philippine Space Science and Astronomy Research (PSSAR), Inc. in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), PSSARC 2026 was held at the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus in Cebu City from August 3–5. The conference drew more than 200 participants from universities and research institutions nationwide and abroad, making it the largest annual gathering of the Philippine space community. As the nation’s premier platform for space science and astronomy, PSSARC continues to highlight groundbreaking student and professional research, fostering collaboration and innovation in the country’s growing space sector.

ISAT U and Iloilo City Gov’t Join Forces for  Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) partnered with the Iloilo City Government to conduct a successful anti-rabies vaccination drive on July 29. The event, aptly named “Protect Our Paws: Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Drive,” took place at the ISAT U Gender and Development (GAD) Center, attracting pet owners and animal lovers alike.

The initiative saw 48 free anti-rabies vaccinations administered, benefiting 37 cats and 11 dogs. The drive was organized by ISAT U’s PawForce, in conjunction with the Safety, Security, Environment, Disaster Risk, and Management Office, and supported by the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo City Veterinary Office. This collaborative effort not only provided essential vaccinations for campus cats and pets belonging to ISAT U faculty and staff but also emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership within the community.

“The successful execution of this vaccination drive highlights our commitment to rabies prevention and the welfare of animals,” said a representative from the Iloilo City Veterinary Office. “It’s a vital step in fostering a safer and more humane campus community.”

In addition to safeguarding the health of animals, this initiative aims to raise awareness about rabies and the significance of preventive measures. The partnership between ISAT U and the Iloilo City Government stands as a testament to their mutual dedication to enhancing public health and protecting the welfare of pets and wildlife.

As communities continue to face the challenges posed by rabies, collaborative efforts like this drive play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of animals and humans alike. The ISAT U and Iloilo City Government’s successful vaccination drive marks a significant stride towards a more responsible and compassionate approach to pet ownership and public health.

CHED RO VI, IAS visit ISAT U for StudyPh project

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) welcomed delegations from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI and the CHED International Affairs Service (IAS) for an official monitoring visit of the university’s awarded StudyPh Program project, the Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center.

The visit assessed implementation progress, outputs, and community impact of the Cultural Heritage and Educational Research Center, which is designed to document, preserve, and promote Western Visayas’ rich cultural assets while integrating heritage-informed learning and research across disciplines. The monitoring team met with project leaders, faculty researchers, and student participants to review milestones, discuss next-phase activities, and ensure alignment with StudyPh goals on access, equity, quality, and global competitiveness in higher education.

In addition to the monitoring activities, CHED RO VI and IAS held strategic discussions with ISAT U officials on the university’s application for Transnational Higher Education (TNHE)—a key milestone in ISAT U’s internationalization agenda. The dialogue covered regulatory requirements, prospective international partners, program quality assurance, and learner protection mechanisms, with a view to launching collaborative offerings that expand global learning opportunities for ISAT U students and faculty.

ISAT U leadership expressed appreciation for CHED’s guidance and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to high-impact projects and globally benchmarked academic programs.

Present during this event was CHED RO VI Reginal Director Dr. Raul F. Muyong and CHED IAS representatives Dr. Ian D. Evangelista, OIC, Office of the Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Jess S. Estanislao, Senior Education Program Specialist and Desk Officer for ASEAN & SEAMEO Affairs; Ms. Elma C. Paz, Education Program Specialist II; and Mr. Eldrin P. Delgado, Prject Technical Staff II.

The TNHE discussions outlined next steps on academic governance, faculty credentialing, curriculum mapping, and student support services, reinforcing ISAT U’s readiness to engage in high-quality cross-border education in priority disciplines.

SSEDMMO Conducts Incident Command Training

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI, conducted the SSEDMMO Fortitude 10: Executive IncidentCommand System (ICS) Training Workshop on July 14–15, 2026, at the CEA-ICT Room 309, ISAT U New Site.

The two-day training gathered selected members of the Administrative Council, personnel from the Safety, Security, Environment, and Disaster Management and Mitigation Office (SSEDMMO), and representatives from the University’s Iloilo City and External Campuses.  The training was conducted to strengthen their competencies in crisis leadership, disaster preparedness, incident management, and coordinated emergency response. This also intended to equip University leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage emergencies through the adoption of the Incident Command System (ICS), an internationally recognized framework designed to provide a standardized and coordinated approach to incident management.

Through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises facilitated by resource persons from the Office of Civil Defense Region VI, participants gained a deeper understanding of the ICS organizational structure, command functions, resource management, communication protocols, and decision-making processes essential for responding to emergencies and disasters.

By institutionalizing the Incident Command System, ISAT U seeks to establish a unified command structure across its campuses, strengthen collaboration among leadership and operational units, and ensure timely, organized, and effective responses to emergencies. The initiative also supports the University’s continuing efforts to safeguard the welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders by enhancing institutional preparedness and resilience.

The Executive ICS Training Workshop forms part of ISAT U’s comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management initiatives under the SSEDMMO Fortitude 10 program. It underscores the University’s proactive approach to cultivating a culture of safety and preparedness while reinforcing its capacity to respond to natural and human-induced hazards.

Aligned with the principles of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10121) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster RiskReduction, the training also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations SustainableDevelopment Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Through sustained collaboration with partner agencies and continuous capability-building programs, ISAT U reaffirms its commitment to developing a safe, resilient, and disaster-ready academic community capable of responding effectively to emergencies while ensuring the continuity of education and public service.

ISAT U Joins PASUC Annual Convention

ISAT U proudly participated in the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, scheduled from July 13 to 15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This year’s convention revolved around the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures.”

The PASUC Annual Convention serves as a vital platform for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to enhance their roles as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. It seeks to empower institutions to foster inclusivity and drive transformative nation-building amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The PASUC Annual Convention serves as a vital platform for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to enhance their roles as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. It seeks to empower institutions to foster inclusivity and drive transformative nation-building amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Participants engaged in discussions and workshops focused on best practices, collaborative governance, and innovative approaches that SUCs can adopt to navigate the complexities of today’s educational and societal challenges. The event also featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and connect educators, administrators, and stakeholders in the higher education sector.

The university delegation was headed by ISAT U President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., and Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs. ISAT U’s involvement in the PASUC Annual Convention underscores its commitment to driving educational excellence and fostering a culture of leadership that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity.

Ecosystem Leaders Unite for 1kcups.COM.CaffeiNation

Iloilo Science and Technology University officially opened its doors to the 1kcups.COMCaffeiNation event on July 10, 2026 which was held at the Western Visayas Regional Innovation Hub located at the university Research Hub. The high-profile gathering served as a collaborative crossroads for innovation leaders, startup founders, business executives and ecosystem enablers from across the entire Western Visayas region.

CaffeiNation shines a spotlight on the critical initiatives localized services, and major institutional milestones achieved by Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) operating across the province of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo. The event is intentionally designed as a dynamic platform for open dialogue, knowledge exchange and the forging of stronger, more resilient regional partnerships.

The prestigious gathering is anchored by key leaders driving national and regional scientific progress including Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sandro A. Mabborang, CESO II, DOST Western Visayas Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga and ISAT U President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. They were joined by a diverse cohort of key stakeholders spanning government agencies academic institutions, private industry and the grassroots startup community.

Through the collaborative environment of CaffeiNation, participants actively broke down institutional silos, sharing disruptive ideas, and laying the groundwork for a more robust, connected and highly competitive startup ecosystem in Western Visayas.

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