In an age where technology is evolving rapidly and the economy shifts globally, innovative educational initiatives are needed more than ever. The WEN IGNITE Program of Batch June-July 2024 is one such transformative initiative aimed at promoting technopreneurship and entrepreneurship among faculty members as spearheaded by the Wadwani Foundation Faculty Development Program.
The webinar workshop had a dedicated team from Iloilo Science and Technology University involving various educational methodologies and entrepreneurial spirit throughout 6 weeks of ventures webinar.
ISAT U utilized varied facets of entrepreneurship through robust curriculum delivery. The first half of the seminar centered on foundational concepts such as Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Case-Based Teaching Pedagogy, Problem Identification, Competition Analysis, or Business Models. In addition to equipping teachers with knowledge on how to teach entrepreneurship better, this all-encompassing technique prompted them to evaluate real-world applications critically. 

In the Pedagogy Assessment, the ISAT U team presented a case study like “Desi Hangover.” This activity emphasizes that practical learning experiences are crucial in nurturing future entrepreneurs. Additionally, the CEA team composed of Dr. Rowena Calasara, Dr, Corazon Corbal, Engr. Naci John Trance, Ar. Ma. Regina Falconite and Engr. Adrian Pillano showcased an innovative project called “ANI Disenyo at Teknolohiya.” In essence, this is a system developed by the team to mediate between tomato growers and clients with request for tomatoes. The system will serve as a meeting point where customers can post their requests for tomatoes which would be answered by the respective tomato farmer. The customer in this context refers to a group of restaurants/fast-food chains and hotels that food with tomatoes as one of the ingredients. It maintains records of verified customers as well as genuine tomato farmers. Although it initially considers local variety, survey will be conducted among clients so as to establish which type they prefer best.

The CAS team presented their ventures “ISAT U Social Entrepreneurs” by Dr. Yvette Gonzales, Michelle Escriba, Lloyd Esparagoza and Rayjand Gellamucho while from the CIT team, composed of Ma. Cora Biton, Alma Espora, Shella Suarez, Pearlesane Joy Segura and Gener Jamoyot which was presented their venture titled, “Balance Wanderers Brigade”.

In conclusion, the WEN IGNITE program is not just an invaluable teaching resource for college professors but also a vital link in building an ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation. Through investment in the training of teachers Mr Wadhwani has been laying framework for those who will be commanders of economic expansion and social transformation in the years to come. The implementation of such programs by universities has opened up avenues towards dealing with enduring problems facing mankind.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) conducted the third leg of its Futures Thinking activity from August 1 to 3, 2024, at its Leon Campus. The three-day event focused on sustainable integrated farming and smart vertical farming, marking a significant step in the university’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension, led the initiative, which brought together faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders. The activity was divided into two main groups: one concentrating on sustainable integrated farming methods, conducted on-site, and another exploring smart vertical farming techniques.

The event began with introductory lectures explaining the rationale behind the Futures Thinking approach. Participants were then tasked with an intensive brainstorming session, working to complete three strategic planning templates. These templates were designed to capture integrated plans and detailed execution strategies for future agricultural and business practices.

Following the group work, each team presented their outputs to a plenary session. These presentations were subjected to rigorous scrutiny and commentary from peers and experts, fostering a collaborative environment for refining ideas.

Dr. Ambut emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This activity is crucial in shaping ISAT U’s approach to agricultural education and research. We’re not just thinking about tomorrow; we’re planning for decades ahead.”

ISAT University is taking concrete steps to implement the insights gained from this Futures Thinking activity. The institution is planning complementary training workshops and related activities to embed these forward-thinking approaches into the university’s long-term roadmap.

This event represents ISAT U’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainable practices in higher education. The university aims to use these insights to inform curriculum development, research priorities, and community engagement initiatives in the coming years.

The Futures Thinking activity at Leon Campus is part of a larger series of events designed to position ISAT University as a leader in anticipating and preparing for future challenges in various fields, with a particular focus on sustainable and smart agriculture.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) launched its “Native Tree Growing and Propagation Program” today at the TLE Center. The initiative aims to support climate change mitigation and promote local biodiversity.

Cherry Pink Barredo, a faculty member of the Community Development Program, served as the main resource person. Barredo discussed the benefits of using native trees in reforestation efforts, highlighting their adaptability to local conditions and positive impact on ecosystem restoration.

The event began with welcome remarks from Rosanna Dureza, ISAT U’s Climate Change Coordinator. Dureza provided a brief lecture on climate change, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered a compelling message during the program. He stressed the importance of taking concrete action, such as planting native trees, rather than merely discussing environmental issues. “It’s time we move beyond lectures and start making tangible contributions to our environment,” Dr. Ambut stated.

The program, organized by the SSEDMMO-Environment and Climate Change Core Group and Community Development Program, marks a significant step in ISAT U’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

The university plans to implement the native tree growing initiative across its campus and in partnership with local communities, aiming to create a lasting positive impact on the region’s biodiversity and climate resilience.

The university Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) through its representatives attended the annual FOI Receiving Officers’ Hangouts of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through its Freedom of Information-Program Management Office (FOI-PMO). This national event was held at the Coral Ballroom of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on July 18, 2024 and was attended by PICO’s Information Officer 3, Lucille P. Jaspe and Jephthah C. Sustituido, Information Officer I.

Central to the goal of championing the right to access government information are the FOI Officers, who play a vital role in advocating for and ensuring the effective implementation of the program within their respective agencies. As frontliners it is crucial to capacitate the FOI Officers to implement the FOI Program efficiently. Thus, this event was conducted to expand their networks and advance their abilities and knowledge in bridging government information to the public.

The activities during the FOI-RO Hangouts included the discussions on the major accomplishments, challenges, and innovative solutions to further the improvement of the implementation of the FOI Program. Handling FOI Requests, Data Privacy Issues, List of FOI exceptions, program monitoring and evaluation and    eFOI portal were also discussed.

As Ms. Dianne M. Gammad, Senior Compliance Monitoring Officer discussed, ”it is important to monitor the FOI requests, update the status to the requestor and make sure that the releasing of the documents conforms the standard period which is 7-15-20 or the maximum of 35 working days.”  She added that In case of delays, the last person who holds the document is the person accountable for the action and shall face the consequences under the FOI Policy.

The FOI Receiving Officers Hangouts also serves as an avenue for sharing best practices in accessing information, collaborating with other agencies and identifying documents for public consumption and are frequently requested. It was also advised by Ms. Marinella R. Ricafrance, Engagement Officer of the Presidential Communication Office that eFOI is currently under maintenance as they improve the portal for a more efficient and effective service.

To improve productivity in the office especially public service, the Iloilo Science and Technology University Human Resource Management Office gathered its newly hired and promoted employees to a two-day Seminar Workshop and Lecture Forum at the Students Services Building of the university on July 11 – 12, 2024. Human Resource Management Officer III, Mr. Bonnie S. Arenal designed SHARP or the Seminar Workshop on Harnessing Agility and Responsiveness in Public Service which included Seminar-workshop on Soft Skills Needed for Workplace Agility and Lecture –Forum on Disciplinary and Non- Disciplinary Cases under the Revised  Rules on Administrative Cases in Civil Service.

On the first day of this activity, it was emphasized by Ms. Rowena Y. Diaz, resource person on Building Soft Skills Needed for Workplace Agility, that “to be able to achieve the goals of the institution, the Human Resource Office must be able to hire the right person for every position that it creates. “A mismatched,” according to her, “would create problems thus resulting to non-achievable goals. Aside from the hard skills or technical knowledge that is required, an employee must also possess soft skills or personality traits such as leadership, communication skills and time management.

Ms. Diaz who is also a soft skill training consultant, discussed agility in the workplace, managing difficult people, how to become an active listener, stress management and workplace ethics. The participants had a great time doing the crossword puzzle and the spaghetti-marshmallows tower which tested their team work and stress management.

The second day of the seminar became intensed as Atty. Erna T. Elizan, Assistant Regional Director of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 6, discussed the disciplinary cases and classification of offenses in the workplace. She emphasized that government employees are like celebrities who are accountable of their actions at all times even after the employee’s work schedule is done. However, she clarified that, “The CSC Rules, as well as the rules of the university, are not made to punish but to correct employees.” Also part of the discussion was the Revised Rules on the Administrative offense on dishonesty, misconduct, tardiness, online sexual harassment, nepotism and many others. Sample cases were also presented for participants’ additional information. An open forum was conducted after the lecture to shed light to certain questions especially on falsification of documents, nepotism and absenteeism.

The two-day seminar workshop concluded with the participants being grateful for the opportunity of learning new ideas on building up confidence, improving their soft skills and gaining an understanding of the CSC Rules on Administrative Offenses.