Archives for December 2023

2024 New Year’s Message of the University President

As we stand at the dawn of another year, I am filled with gratitude for the collective achievements and unwavering commitment that have characterized our journey together. As we embark on the path that 2024 unfolds, let us renew our dedications to work and excellence, virtues that have been the cornerstones of our academic community.

In everyday task we do, let the words from Colossians 3:23 resonates within us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” These words encapsulate the essence of our labor – labor not solely for personal gain but a labor of love and service, guided by a higher purpose. In every lecture delivered, every research pursued, and every interaction within our university, let us work with a wholehearted commitment that transcends mere professional obligations.

Our pursuit of excellence should not be seen as a solitary endeavor but as a shared journey, where each member of our community plays a integral role. Excellence is not a destination but a continuous process, and as we step into the new year, let us collectively strive for higher standards, innovation, and a spirit of continuous improvement.

Last, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a blessed and prosperous New Year to each member of our university family. May 2024 be a year of personal, professional and collective growth, where our dedication to work and excellence transforms challenges into opportunities and aspirations into achievements.

Mabuhay ang ISAT U!

ISAT U PICO bags 3rd Place for Best FB Page in Western Visayas

The Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT) bagged 3rd Place for Best Facebook Page in the recent Western Visayas Information Officers’ Year – End Conference and Awards organized by the Philippine Information Agency.

The competition saw entries from established information offices and units of both local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) across the entire region. Despite being a first-time participant and facing stiff competition, the PICO’s innovative and engaging Facebook page stood out with its effective communication strategies, informative content, and visually captivating posts.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our PICO team,” expressed by ISAT University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. “They have consistently strived to push boundaries and leverage the power of social media to connect with our community and showcase the university’s achievements and initiatives.”

The winning Facebook page, ISAT University – Public Information Office, has garnered over 103,000 followers and is known for its dynamic blend of news updates, engaging features, and creative storytelling. The award was personally received by the PICO Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil.

This recognition from PIA adds to the growing list of awards for ISAT University, solidifying its position as a leading academic institution in Western Visayas. PICO’s success also serves as an inspiration for other information offices, demonstrating the potential of social media to bridge the gap between institutions and their communities.

The activity was held at the Citadines Hotel on December 21, 2023.

University Inaugurates new PICO Office – Launches New Website and First University Christmas ID

Iloilo Science and Technology University inaugurates the new Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) now at the 5th Floor of the Students Services Building on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The office now has new facilities such as the Media Lounge, Audio Booth and the Digital Archive and Studio. Spearheading the event was Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., ISAT U 2nd University President who emphasized that the improvement of PICO is a strategic endeavour aligned with the commitment of the university to position itself as the leading science and technology university. PICO is considered by the President as an office that plays a vital role in the promotion of the academic programs of the university as well as the dissemination of the vision and mission of the university.

Alongside the inauguration was the launching of the new website of ISAT U.  According to Dr. Salistre, the website as a digital platform is not merely a virtual space but rather a manisfestation of dedication to advancing academic excellence and fostering innovation. He also hopes that through the ISAT U website, the university can bridge gaps and create a sense of unity even in a diverse community.

The overhauling of ISAT U website is a move for a more effective and efficient source of information for the stakeholders and clientele especially the ISAT U students and alumni. The refreshed website offers upgraded features including responsive design making it mobile/tablet friendly, accessibility interface to downloadable files, research outputs, university public documents, photos, curricular offerings and others. Also it has easier navigation, search functionality and integration with Google Analytics for monitoring user experience.

Another remarkable event is the launching of the first ever University Christmas ID titled “Paskong Panalo.” As the lyrics of the song goes, the university also wishes to spread love, kindness, unity and gratitude. “Paskong Pnalo” was composed by the PICO Director himself, Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, in collaboration with the ISAT U Performing Arts headed by Dr. Dyna Remaneses, and students Micah Jylle Bañas, Javan Iguales and Cydrieck John Fame. The University Christmas ID was also introduced to the media and is expected to be played on the airwaves for promotion and to serve its purpose.

The inauguration of the office was officiated by Fr. Arnel Pelanio who is also an alumnus of ISAT U. Present during the event were ISAT U key officials and invited members of the media.

University Guards Join Training and Lecture

As part of its quest for excellence, the university through its Safety, Security, Environment & Disaster Mitigation and Management Office (SSEDMMO) headed by its Director, Engr. Christian D.Misola, submitted its government guards to a training on “Gun Firing and a Lecture on Pre-orientation of Gun Safety and Republic Act 5487 also known as “The Private Security Agency Law.”  The Gun Firing which was held on December 9, 2023 and the lecture on November 25, 2023, were attended by Government and Agency Security Guards. Sponsoring these activities is the Stelsen Secuirity Agency and was co-sponsored by ISATU SSEDMMO.

Five Government Security Guards of ISAT U, 1 Job Hire employee, Mr. Jed Pormon, and Mr. Manfred Von P. Magat, Head of Security, joined the said activity. The Gun Firing was held at JAC Custom Gun and IPSA Indoor Shooting Range, Balabago, Jaro Iloilo City. Meanwhile, the Lecture on Pre-Orientation of Gun Safety and RA 5487 was conducted on November 25, 2023 at ISAT U HRT Center. Mr. Edison A. Abendaño, the Area Operation Manager of Stelsen Security Agency conducted the said training. Mr. Abendaño is a Certified Security Trainer, Safety Officer 1 & 2.

This training was conducted to improve the skills of the security guards on gun firing and at the same time educate them on the safety that goes with it. The office of Engr. Misola hopes that with this training, the security guards of ISAT U become more responsible on gun handling and would be more effective on their job as they deal with the external and internal clients of the university. The security guards on their part expressed their gratitude for giving them the chance to participate in this training. They learned a lot and hope to have more trainings like this in the future.

Gad Holds Activities For 18 Day Campaign To End Vaw

In observance of the Annual 18 Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Gender and Development (GAD) Center, conducted different activities spearheaded by GAD Director, Dr. Emily de la Cruz, from November 24, 2023 to December 7, 2023.

The18-Day Campaign started with the parade around the campus on November 24. “The Walk to End VAW” was participated by ISAT U Marching Band, the Student Republic and other Student Organizations.

A VAW Mural Painting was held on November 28-30, 2023, in which students from different Colleges took part. Painting the walls behind the GAD Center, students expressed their ideas on how to end Violence Against Women through their artistic skills and talent in painting.

A screening of a video on HIV/AIDS was available by appointment to all students, faculty and staff on November 28 – 30. This video screening was conceptualized for HIV/AIDS awareness.

On December 1, 2023, participants composed of students, faculty and staff showed their support to the campaign as they danced with gusto to the “Hataw for World AIDS Day at ISAT U Football Grounds. Dr. Harry Fundal, Head of the PE Department together with Dr. Dyna Remaneses led the group. Also on the same day, a Poster Making Contest for the students was held at the TLE Center while the Lecture on HIV-AIDS and Reproductive Health was conducted in the afternoon. Mr. Rodolfo Chin, Jr, a Registered Nurse and Health Promotion Officer II/ HIV & STI Surveillance Officer of Department of Health-Western Visayas, lectured on “HIV/AIDS Basics: An Overview, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments.” Meanwhile, Mr. Rey John Diono, also a Registered Nurse and a Technical Consultant-USAID-Reach Health Project, discussed the “Right Approach to Relationship and Sexual Health Education.”

On December 5, 2023, the vibrant spirit of creativity and skills of the students was again tested as they took part in the Dayaw Commpetition, Digital Meme Making Contest and Memes Interpretation Contest.

The Non-teaching personnel did not only stay as audience to all these activities. Instead, on December 6, 2023 they gave everyone a taste of their abilities as they joined the Digital Poster Making Contest. They also proved that they are not only good at office work but they can also be competitive in GAD Quiz Bee. These competitions were participated in by the non-teaching personnel from the Iloilo City Campus as well as that of the External Campuses.

The last day of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) was highlighted by activities participated by students from the different campuses of ISAT U. The Multi-Purpose Educational Center echoed with the powerful words of the 7th Annual GAD Spoken Poetry Contest and the harmonious melodies of the 2nd Annual Voice Choir Contest as talented students ISAT U campuses performed at their best in support to the activity.

The exciting 10th Annual GAD Quiz Bee- Students’ Edition took place in the afternoon of the final day setting a record of 38 participating teams. Questions on Gender and Equality and Anti Violence Against Women and Children were classified in three (3) categories – Easy, Average and Difficult. The teams with the highest scores for the 3 categories were automatically declared as winners and the rest got consolation prizes.

Here are the winners of the different competitions for the 18 –Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women:

POSTER MAKING CONTEST:
1st Place –            Louise M. Belen (CEA)
2nd Place –          Nelson S. Grasparil (CEA)
3rd Place –           Kyla Ysabelle P. Dela Cruz (CAS)

Consolation Prizes
                                JC Ray Clement G. Jover (CIT)
                                Lui J A. Gulanes (CIT)
                                Jusef Albert E. Espin (CIT)

DAYAW COMPETITION
1st Place –            Joshua Vista (COE)
2ndPlace –           Jeroh Daanaoy
3rdPlace –            Rhadjan Louis Erta

DIGITAL MEMES COMPETITION
1st Place –            Ma. Janica Paca – Anas (CAS)
2nd Place –          Timothy James Damaolao (CEA)
3rd Place –           Alex Eduard Deadio (CEA)

MEMES INTERPRETATTION CONTEST
1st Place –            Yaeshen Villanueva (CEA)
2ndPlace –           John Christian Garcia (CAS)
3rd Place –           Justine Art Solinap (CIT)

DIGITAL POSTER-MAKING CONTEST
1st Place –            Jephthah C. Sustituido (PICO)
2nd Place –          Ma. April Rose B. Tibudan (CIT)
3rd Place –           Jerome Gamarcha (MIAGAO)
Consolation Prizes
Rico Agustine Laurente (LIBRARY)
                            Ernesto C. Laguna (OSAS)
                            Bren Louise Tamagos (Library)

GAD QUIZ BEE (EMPLOYEES’ EDITION)
1st Place –            MIAGAO CAMPUS
                                     Jan Marini Tumugdan
                                     Bea Lorraine Toledo
                                     Zenidine Depamaylo
2nd Place –          ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (RSD & VPEA)
                                     Jessa Mae Lastimoso
                                     Diona Mae Abario
                                     Geraldine Jane Togle

3rd Place –           ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (IAS)
                                     John Jee Jamore
                                     Thea Well Rapista
                                     Joana Maiko Acosta

7th ANNUAL GAD SPOKEN POETRY
1st Place –            Iloilo City Campus
                       Felrose Gervacio (BEED1B)                       
Ma. Lieziel Tacaisan (BEED 3 B)
2nd Place –          Barotac Nuevo Campus
Jexter  Panerio (BSED MATH 3-A)
3rd Place –           Barotac Nuevo Campus
                       Mavel Batisla-Ong (BTVTED CHS-4)

2nd GAD VOICE CHOIR
1st Place –            MIAGAO CAMPUS
2nd Place –          ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (CAS)
3rd Place –           ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (CIT)

10th ANNUAL GAD QUIZ BEE (STUDDENTS’ EDITION)
1st Place –            ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (CAS)
                                   Rosie Jill Cubita
Jescedale Ann Elicaña
 Katherine Seblit
2nd Place –          ILOILO CITY CAMPUS (CAS)         
Clarissa Faye Madredondo
Maria Beatriz Sambajon
Angela Corneza
3rd Place –           BAROTAC NUEVO CAMPUS
Justine June Durana
Junner Barquilla
Mea Diamante

Congratulations to all the winners!

SSEDMO spearheads safety and security training to all university guards 

The Iloilo Science and Technology University through the office of the Safety, Security, Environment and Disaster Mitigation Management (SSEDMO) in cooperation with a security provider conducted a training on Gun Safety and Marksmanship to all its security guards on post as part of the university’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the students, faculty, staff and the different stakeholders.

Engr. Christian D. Misola, the SSEDMO director gave emphasis on the role of the security guards in safeguarding all the stakeholders, property, and assets across a wide range of settings especially that the university is operating full face to face scheme of learning since the last semester.

“Our security guards serve as the frontline defense against potential threats, making their training and preparedness of utmost importance. Investing in comprehensive training programs for security guards is essential to ensure they possess the knowledge, skills, and confidence to carry out their duties effectively especially now that our university is operating full face to face scheme. Different activities are happening everyday within our campus and the stakeholders welfare is our main priority,” said Engr. Misola.

The said training lasted for two days and one of the key components was the customer service handling. Developing the guards interpersonal and communication skills to create positive interactions with stakeholders and visitors were the main focus of the said enhancement training. By fostering a customer-centric mindset, they can enhance the overall experience of individuals while ensuring safety and security. Since the university is catering to the growing clients may it be from local and international, the training was very relevant and timely.

A total of thirty-five (35) security guards were able to avail of the said training.

Admin brightens Up Iloilo City Campus for Christmas

The first night of December in Iloilo Science and Technology University Iloilo City Campus became colorful as the Administration turned on the Christmas lights on its trees, canopies and facade for the “Opening of Lights 2023” on Friday, December 1, 2023. Welcoming the Christmas month, the Opening of Lights was spearheaded by the University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. and the Vice Presidents which took place in front of the Administration Building at 5:30 P.M.

In his speech, Dr. Salistre emphasized that the opening of lights in the ISAT U Iloilo City Campus may serve as a light not just to illuminate the holiday season but also the path to a new year filled with blessings and academic achievements. He encouraged everyone to let the true essence of Christmas shine through a time of reflection, gratitude and the joyous celebration of the miraculous gift of Christ’s birth.  Dr. Salistre also hopes that the University Community becomes a reflection of love, understanding and the transformative power of knowledge.

Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, Vice President for Administration and Finance, in his speech, expressed that this event symbolizes the unity and togetherness that define ISAT U Community. The glittering of lights, he said, serves as a visual testament to the bright minds and spirits that thrive within the ISAT U walls. He pointed out that no matter how simple the celebration may be, we must be reminded of the humility of our Savior, and that the significance of the celebration lies not in its grandeur but, more importantly, in the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of caring, understanding and giving.

Also part of the program are the ISAT U Performing Arts and the Marching Band who added colors to the festivity thru their songs and performances.

This remarkable event was made possible through the ISAT U Planning and Development Auxiliary Services Office whose electrical engineers facilitated the installation the lights. These lights will continue to illuminate the campus all throughout this year’s Christmas season.

Forging the Youth for a Resilient Future: A Student Seminar on Climate Change Action and Sustainability

“Addressing climate change is a global imperative that requires collective effort.”

As the Earth’s climate undergoes unprecedented shifts, school’s initiative in taking decisive action becomes crucial. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting sustainable practices, initiatives inside school especially in universities aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Last November 28-29, 2023 Iloilo Science and Technology University hold a Student Seminar on Climate Change Action and Sustainability with the theme “Forging the Youth for a Resilient Future”.

The student seminar has been a great contribution to the students knowledge about the university’s movement towards resiliency, and action towards sustainability. Indeed, the seminar has had injected a lasting impact on the students intuition about the environment and on what’s happening to it.

Take a glimpse at our chosen student ambassador as she share her key takeaways from the two-day climate change action forum.

“During the 2-day seminar, I have gained a deeper understanding of the cause and effects of climate change. As a student, I find this seminar very helpful as it serves as an eye opener for all of us to take actions.

This seminar also provided me a comprehensive background about the RA 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 and how the ISAT U complies to it. I have learned in this seminar how important it is to fully understand the concept of greenhouse effect before understanding and solving the rising issue about the climate change.”

𝙺𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚢 𝙰𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚌𝚊, 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝟷𝟶 – 𝙶𝚘𝚕𝚍 | 𝙸𝚂𝙰𝚃 𝚄 𝙻𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚂𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚕

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