The second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 officially opened with a system-wide faculty conference organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The event was held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Jade Ballroom of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel and was attended by faculty members from all five campuses of the University.
Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty for their unwavering support and commitment during the previous semester. She emphasized that their dedication and professionalism are deeply valued, noting that “the faculty are the heart of the academic enterprise of the university.”
University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. proudly presented the awards and recognitions received by ISAT U in 2025. He highlighted how the University overcame challenges and successfully implemented policies and programs that strengthened academic excellence, faculty development, and student support. Dr. Salistre also announced the upcoming offering of new academic programs: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Iloilo City Campus–CEA); Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry (Leon Campus); Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (Iloilo City Campus).
These programs have already undergone evaluation by RQAT and NQAT and are completing compliance requirements for submission to CHED. They will be included in admissions for AY 2026–2027. In addition, the Board of Regents has approved the Master of Science in Hospitality Management (Iloilo City Campus–CIT) and the Bachelor of Textile Technology (Miagao Campus), with documents now being prepared for CHED evaluation.
The conference also marked the oath-taking of newly appointed officials: Dr. Catherine A. Yap, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Tracy N. Tacuban, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics; Mr. Eric Jan G. Puga, Director of Financial Management Services, and Dr. Alma Mae S. Torremoro, Director of the Gender and Development Center
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by CHED Regional Office VI Director, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, who provided updates on CHED policies. He announced the Memorandum of Agreement between CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), emphasizing strict compliance: only programs with a complete Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) will be allowed to have graduates take board examinations. He also reminded institutions that requirements for educational trips must be submitted at least one week before the activity. On a lighter note, Dr. Muyong commended ISAT U for its accomplishments, stressing that these achievements reflect the collective effort of faculty, staff, and administrators under the leadership of the University President.
Updates were likewise presented by Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, and Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao. Faculty Regent Dr. Jasper L. Pastrano also shared developments concerning the Faculty Association.
