Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), through the College of Industrial Technology and the Extension Services Division, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education – Iloilo River Plains Integrated School (IRPIS), at ISAT U BoardRoom on July 9, 2026, to implement the IRPIS DigiRetool program.

IRPIS DigiRetool is a targeted extension initiative designed to enhance the competencies of IRPIS teachers and staff through capacity-building in three priority areas: school communication systems, ICT productivity and computer maintenance and emergency response and disaster preparedness.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U President, expressed confidence that this collaboration will strengthen more the bridge between higher education and basic education while directly addressing the practical skills the schools and communities need.  “Through IRPIS DigiRetool, we aim to equip educators with tools that improve learning delivery, operational efficiency, and safety.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond Tolentino, IRPIS Principal, welcomed the partnership. He believes that with ISAT U’s expertise, the teachers and staff at IRPIS will gain critical competencies that translate to better school services and a safer, more resilient learning environment.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of ISAT U and IRPIS to strengthen linkages between higher and basic education, promote technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and empower communities through sustainable extension programs.

Program activities will include hands-on trainings, mentoring, systems strengthening, and post-training support to ensure adoption and continuity.

Strengthening its commitment to responsive community engagement, a team of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) personnel conducted a coordination and site-scanning visit to identify potential extension program and project collaborations in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

The ISAT U delegation was composed of Dr. Ma. Cora Biton (Faculty), Aima Carmela Monteblanco (Faculty), Arlo Dave Olarte (Project Assistant), Mark Alexander Rean Golingan (Project Assistant), and Ascer Glen Magno (University Extension Associate).

The team first visited the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VI (ATI-RTC VI) at Balboa’s Coconut Integrated Farm in Barangay Vista Alegre, Barotac Viejo. The farm is managed by Mr. Mielbert Balboa, a proud ISAT U alumnus, and serves as a learning hub showcasing sustainable coconut-based farming technologies, agricultural innovations, and capacity-building initiatives for farmers and stakeholders.

The coordination visit also included Balay Kape Nagpana, a remarkable seed-to-cup coffee farm and café operated by the Ati Tribe through the Nagpana Minorities Association (NAMIAS) in Sitio Nagpana, Barangay Lipata, Barotac Viejo. The site highlights community-led coffee production while promoting indigenous culture, sustainable livelihoods, and eco-cultural tourism.

The visits opened meaningful discussions on prospective collaborations focusing on extension services, research, technology transfer, livelihood enhancement, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, indigenous peoples’ development, and community innovation. These engagements reflect ISAT U’s continuing mission to build strategic partnerships that create lasting impact and empower communities through inclusive, relevant, and transformative extension programs.

Together, ISAT U continues to bridge the University and the community – fostering innovation, sustainability, and shared progress for all.

Following its strong commitment to administrative and academic excellence, ISAT U Quality Assurance Center (UQAC) successfully conducted a four-day intensive training workshop on ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems and Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Planning on June 22-25, 2026, at the AVR, N Building of the university.

The training gathered representatives from the university’s various campuses, aiming to establish a more unified and rigorous support to the institution’s quality management systems.

Ms. Lorna Valdez, a seasoned quality management expert and ISO specialist of the NQA served as the primary resource person for the four-day event. Together with her was Ms. Cecilia Dela Torre, also from the NQA. Under the guidance of Ms. Valdez, the participants engaged in lecture and practical workshops geared towards sharpening their capabilities in conducting effective audits, identifying root causes of nonconformities, and developing corrective action plans for continual improvement.

This initiative is a core part of the university’s strategy for continual improvement. By ensuring that all campuses operate under the same high standards  of internal scrutiny, ISAT U aims to consistently deliver  highest quality  public  education  while maintaining the international management standards.