Archives for May 2024

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., President of ISAT University, was among the more than 800 participants who gathered at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on May 15, 2024, for the Fourth National Higher Education Day Summit. The event brought together presidents and representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country.

Themed “USAP, ULAT, UGNAY: Access, Quality and Competitiveness, at the Core of Higher Education Reforms,” the summit aimed to address critical issues and strategies for enhancing access, quality, and competitiveness in the Philippine higher education sector.

One of the highlights of the event was the delivery of strategic plans and directions for the years ahead by the Honorable Secretary J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

President Salistre’s participation in the summit underscores ISAT University’s commitment to staying abreast of national higher education priorities and aligning its strategies with the broader reforms and initiatives spearheaded by CHED. Dr. Raul F. Muyong, former President of ISAT U and now the Director IV of the Commission also joined the event.

“As a leading institution of higher learning, it is imperative for ISAT University to actively engage in dialogues and collaborative efforts that shape the future of Philippine higher education,” said President Salistre. “This summit provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and collectively addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the event, further highlighting the significance of the summit and the government’s dedication to advancing the country’s higher education sector.

During the summit, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, panel sessions, and workshops centered around the three core pillars of access, quality, and competitiveness. Topics ranged from expanding access to higher education for underserved communities to enhancing the quality of academic programs and fostering competitiveness in the global arena.

President Salistre expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the summit, stating, “Events like this allow us to learn from the experiences and insights of our counterparts, share our own best practices, and collectively contribute to the development of a robust and inclusive higher education system for the Philippines.”

ISAT University remains committed to aligning its efforts with national priorities and contributing to the ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s higher education landscape.

Iloilo Science and Technology University once again exhibited excellent skills in sports when the university Taekwondo Team finished as the over-all champion in the 2024 Visayas Inter School Taekwondo Championship.  Held on April 20 – 21, 2024 at Robinson’s Place Pavia, Iloilo, the team swept away 11 Gold Medals, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze.

For Kyorugi Men’s Senior Division, Fin-Weight Category, Exiovince Earlle Albor (BSIT 1-B) successfully hit the gold medal together with Yuri Angelo Aguilar (BIT-CT 3-A ) in Fly Weight Category, Ratciv Corvera (BSIT 1-B) in Bantam Weight Category, RJ Donguines (BSBio 2-A) in Feather Weight Category and Marc Anthony Sanoy (BSIT 3-B) in Middle Weight Category. Meanwhile, Cheaseter John Gegudas (BAEL 3-A) finished the Fly Weight Category with a Silver medal.

The tournament became more intense in Kyorugi Women’s Senior Division when two more gold medals were added by Ellia Caress Buenaventura (BSCE 2-A) in the Fly Weight Category and Trisha Grace Igudez in the Bantam Weight Categhow hard theory. Joy Hope Lina garnered Silver in the Fin Weight Category.

The team continued to prove their dedication to their sports by adding four more Golds, three in the Poomsae Men’s Senior Division and one for Poomsae Women’s Senior Division.  Winning gold for the Brown Belt Category (Poomsae Men’s) was Arce Kenth Dapat (BSBio 2-A).  One gold was also won by Brent Rhymen Crisantine Espanola in the Yellow Belt Category and Mark Joseph Daigo in the Blue Belt Category. For the Poomsae Women’s Yellow Belt Category, Tryxzy Nycole Menesis (BIT CT 3-A) also garnered a gold medal while Sarah Nicole Poblador (BSCE 2-A) won a bronze medal also in the Yellow Belt Category and another bronze for Rica Ann Timario (BSA 2-A) in the Black Belt Category.

Kudos to the hardworking Taekwondo Team and their coaches Ms. Grace Go and Mr. Ernesto Petallo, Jr. as well as to the ISAT U Sports Director Dr. Leomar de los Santos.

The unwavering support of the administration in its continuing quest for excellence has been instrumental in the achievement of another pride of the university in the field of sports.

The Baraclayan community in Miagao celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration and blessing of their newly renovated Baraclayan Weaving Center. The project, funded by the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and implemented by the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), marks a new chapter for the local weaving industry.

The old weaving center, dilapidated and lacking basic facilities like comfort rooms, has been transformed into a two-story facility equipped with amenities tailored to the needs of the weaving community. The renovated center boasts a spacious area for weavers, an office for the community, display areas to showcase their creations, and much-needed comfort rooms.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a blessing officiated by the parish priest of Miagao, Fr. Carlo Noquez. Gracing the event were distinguished guests, including Hon. Mayor Richard Garin Jr. of Miagao, ISAT U President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., DOST 6 Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, Baraclayan Punong Barangay Hon. Marlou Niones, ISAT U officials, LGU officials, and media partners.

“This renovated weaving center is a testament to our commitment to empowering local communities and preserving our rich cultural heritage,” said Mayor Garin during the program. “We are grateful to DOST and ISAT U for their support in making this dream a reality.” Garin also hopes that this weaving center will set an example to other weaving communities.

President Salistre expressed his pride in ISAT U’s role in the project, stating, “Our university is dedicated to uplifting communities through science and technology. This center will not only provide a conducive environment for weavers but will also serve as a beacon for cultural tourism in the region.”

The Baraclayan Weaving Center is expected to significantly contribute to the community of weavers by providing a conducive workspace and opportunities for skills development. It is also envisioned to become a magnet destination for tourists, showcasing the region’s rich weaving traditions and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the local populace.

Regional Director Gelonga emphasized DOST’s commitment to empowering communities through science and technology interventions. “This project exemplifies how collaborative efforts can transform lives and preserve cultural legacies,” he said.

As the ceremony concluded, the Baraclayan weavers expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunities that the renovated center will bring. With renewed hope and a state-of-the-art facility, they look forward to weaving their dreams into reality, one thread at a time.