Dr. Raul F. Muyong presents the university’s strategic direction to DOST Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena visited ISAT U on July 28, 2018 and identified  its research strength . This will be the basis of  DOST’s support to the research development programs of the university whose mandate is science and technology.

In response, Dr. Raul F. Muyong presented the strategic direction of ISAT U.  The different campuses are ushered towards specific areas based on their strengths and environment. Iloilo City campus designed its program to become the center of engineering, science and technology while Leon Campus focuses on agriculture and forestry and to become an agro-eco tourism/farm tourism center. Dumangas and Barotac Nuevo Campus is geared towards technopreneurship and Miagao Campus for industrial and creative design.

The ISAT U technological and research strength was considered when it was selected as the regional yarn production and innovation center. Director Celia B. Elumba of the Phil. Textile Research Institute (PTRI) presented the program’s objective to revive Iloilo’s traditional weaving industry by providing technical support to local weavers. Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT U VPRE, elaborated the school’s technological and research capabilities as counterpart of the program implementation.

DOST scholars  pose with Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena (standing, middle) at the Audio Visual Room of the Research Hub. In photo are (front row, r-l), Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, RD DOST RO 6; PTRI Dir. Celia B. Elumba; Dr. Emelyn Flores, ARD for Technical Operations, DOST RO 6, and Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT U VPRE.

Sec. De La Pena also met with the DOST scholars. He pointed out that scholarship is one of DOST’s program on the area of human resource and development.  The 130 scholars, second largest in Western Visayas, were encouraged to study hard and to make use of the opportunity given to them.

 The Secretary asked the students to reciprocate the support of the agency by maximizing their efforts and focus on researches for nation building. He also underscored science and development through “Science for the People :Innovation for Collective Prosperity,” which is the theme of the 2018 National Science and Technology Week.